As a smoker in the UK, I have spent countless hours and pounds on cigarettes. It’s a habit that I know is harmful to my health, but one that I can’t seem to shake off. In this article, I will delve into the world of cigarettes in the UK and share my personal experiences and observations.
The UK has a long history with cigarettes, dating back to the 16th century when they were introduced by European explorers. Since then, it has become an ingrained part of British culture, with smoking being portrayed as a symbol of sophistication and rebellion in movies and literature.
However, in recent years, the government has implemented several measures to discourage smoking and reduce its prevalence. As a result, the perception of smoking has changed, from being a glamorous activity to a dangerous and costly addiction.
Firstly, let’s talk about the cost of cigarettes in the UK. As a smoker, one of the first things that come to my mind is the exorbitant prices. On average, a pack of 20 cigarettes can cost anywhere between £10 to £13, depending on the brand. This means that a pack-a-day smoker like myself can easily spend over £300 a month on cigarettes alone.
The high prices are due to the heavy taxation imposed by the government, with the aim of reducing the number of smokers. While this may be effective in some cases, for many smokers, it only means a bigger dent in their wallets. As a result, many have turned to cheaper alternatives, such as roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco or purchasing cigarettes from abroad, where they can be significantly cheaper.
Another factor that has contributed to the increasing prices of cigarettes in the UK is the introduction of plain packaging. In 2016, the government implemented a law that required all cigarette packs to have a standard dark green color with large, graphic health warnings covering 65% of the front and back of the pack.
For me, the introduction of plain packaging has made buying cigarettes a less appealing and more mundane experience. The vibrant and eye-catching designs on the cigarette packs have been replaced by a generic and unappealing green color, making it less desirable to purchase. However, some argue that this measure has not been effective in reducing smoking rates, as smokers are still able to recognize and purchase their preferred brand despite the plain packaging.
While the government’s efforts to discourage smoking are understandable, I have found that they have gone a step further by banning smoking in many public places. As a smoker, I have to constantly be mindful of where I can and cannot light up, as there are hefty fines for smoking in prohibited areas. This includes indoor spaces such as restaurants and bars, as well as some outdoor areas like parks and beaches.
While I understand the importance of protecting non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, it can be frustrating as a smoker to have limited places where I can enjoy a cigarette. This also makes socializing with non-smokers a bit tricky, as I often have to excuse myself to go outside for a smoke break.
Furthermore, the government has also implemented a ban on smoking in cars when there are children under the age of 18 present. While I agree that smoking around children is harmful, I feel that this ban is difficult to enforce and can be seen as an invasion of personal freedom.
Aside from the high costs and restrictions, smoking in the UK also has its own set of social stigmas. With the increasing awareness of the health risks associated with smoking, it has become less socially acceptable to smoke. I have been on the receiving end of disapproving looks and comments from strangers when I light up in public.
I have also noticed a shift in dating and socializing, with many non-smokers preferring to be with someone who doesn’t smoke. This has made it harder for smokers to find romantic partners and has created a divide within social groups, with smokers often feeling ostracized.
However, despite all the negatives of smoking in the UK, it still remains a prevalent habit. According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2020, 14.1% of adults in the UK were current smokers, which equates to around 7.2 million people. This number has decreased from previous years, but it is still concerning to see such a large percentage of the population addicted to cigarettes.
As a smoker, I know that quitting is not as easy as it seems. Nicotine, the addictive substance found in cigarettes, can be physically and psychologically difficult to overcome. I have attempted to quit multiple times, but have always found myself coming back to cigarettes after a few days.
The availability and accessibility of cigarettes in the UK also make it harder to quit. You can find them in almost every corner shop and supermarket, making it easy for smokers to relapse or for non-smokers to pick up the habit. It also doesn’t help that cigarette advertisements are still permitted at the point of sale, with eye-catching displays and promotions that can entice smokers to buy more.
In conclusion, being a smoker in the UK comes with its own set of challenges. The high costs, restrictions, social stigmas, and addictiveness of cigarettes make it a difficult habit to break. While the government’s efforts to reduce smoking rates are commendable, I believe more needs to be done to help smokers quit and prevent young people from picking up the habit in the first place. Only then can we see a significant decrease in the prevalence of smoking in the UK.