As a resident of the United Kingdom, I have been surrounded by cigarettes for most of my life. They are a common sight in social gatherings, outside office buildings, and even in designated smoking areas in public places. However, as I have grown older and become more aware of the negative impact of cigarettes, my perception towards them has drastically changed. In this article, I will share my personal observations and experiences with cigarettes in the UK.
To begin with, let’s talk about the accessibility of cigarettes in the UK. It is no secret that cigarettes are readily available almost everywhere – from local corner stores to big supermarkets. In fact, there are around 8.6 million adult smokers in the UK, according to a report by the Office for National Statistics. This high number can be attributed to the easy availability of cigarettes.
The cost of cigarettes in the UK is another factor that contributes to their prevalence. A pack of 20 cigarettes can cost anywhere between £10-£13, depending on the brand. This might seem like a steep price, but for regular smokers, it can add up to a significant amount of money. Despite the high cost, many people continue to purchase cigarettes, disregarding the impact it has on their health and finances.
Speaking of health, it is impossible to talk about cigarettes without mentioning the health risks they pose. According to the National Health Service (NHS), smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the UK, causing around 96,000 deaths every year. This includes not only smokers but also non-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke. A study by Public Health England estimated that secondhand smoke is responsible for around 11,000 deaths each year.
The harmful effects of cigarettes on one’s health are well-known, yet many people continue to smoke. This might be due to the addictive nature of cigarettes, as they contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. As a result, quitting smoking can be extremely challenging for many individuals. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the NHS, only 17.2% of adult smokers successfully quit in 2019-2020.
One of the reasons why quitting smoking can be so difficult is the social aspect attached to it. In the UK, smoking has been a part of socializing and gatherings for decades. It is not uncommon to see a group of friends lighting up cigarettes while having a conversation or to see co-workers taking a smoke break together. This societal norm makes it harder to break away from the habit, especially when one is surrounded by smokers.
Another contributing factor to the prevalence of cigarettes in the UK is the advertising and marketing strategies employed by tobacco companies. In 2002, the UK government implemented a ban on tobacco advertising, prohibiting companies from advertising their products through television, radio, billboards, and other media channels. However, tobacco companies have found ways to skirt around this ban by promoting their products through other means, such as packaging, sponsorships, and promotional events.
Even with the restrictions in place, the UK still has a robust tobacco industry. The UK government collects hefty taxes from tobacco sales, generating around £9.7 billion in 2019-2020. This shows the government’s reliance on the tobacco industry and their lack of willingness to implement stricter measures to curb smoking rates.
On the bright side, the UK government has taken steps towards reducing smoking rates by implementing various policies and initiatives. One of the most significant actions taken was the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes in 2016. This measure requires all tobacco products to be sold in standardised packaging with graphic health warnings, reducing the appeal of cigarettes.
Moreover, the government has also raised the legal age for purchasing cigarettes from 16 to 18 in 2007 and has plans to increase it even further to 21 in the future. This move aims to deter young individuals from picking up the habit of smoking at an early age.
Furthermore, the UK has also invested in stop-smoking services to help individuals quit smoking. These services offer free support and advice to smokers who want to break the habit and have a high success rate. They provide counseling and nicotine replacement therapies, making the quitting process easier for individuals.
In conclusion, cigarettes continue to be prevalent in the UK despite the growing awareness of their detrimental effects. The easy accessibility, social norms, and addictive nature of cigarettes all contribute to their high usage. However, with initiatives taken by the government and the availability of stop-smoking services, there is hope for reducing smoking rates in the future. It is crucial for individuals to understand the health risks associated with smoking and make an effort to quit for the betterment of their own health and the society as a whole.