As I light up my cigarette, I can’t help but think about its long and controversial history in the UK. From being a symbol of rebellion to a heavily taxed vice, cigarettes have played a significant role in shaping the culture and lifestyle of the British people.
My journey with cigarettes began in my teenage years, like many others. It was deemed cool and rebellious to smoke back then. Of course, we were aware of the health risks, but the allure of the forbidden was hard to resist. However, as I grew older, my perception of cigarettes started to change. The initial rush and thrill of smoking gave way to a sense of dependency and guilt. I could feel my health deteriorating and my bank account emptying, yet I couldn’t seem to kick the habit.
In the UK, the consumption of cigarettes reached its peak in the 1970s, with over 45% of the adult population smoking. Since then, there has been a steady decline, thanks to stringent regulations and public awareness campaigns. The most significant shift happened in 2007 when smoking was banned in all enclosed public spaces in England, including bars and restaurants. This move sparked a heated debate between smokers and non-smokers, with some claiming it infringed upon their personal freedom. However, for the majority, it was a breath of fresh air, quite literally.
One of the most significant influences on my smoking habits has been the constantly increasing price of cigarettes. In 2016, the government introduced a minimum price for cigarettes, with the cheapest pack costing £8.82. This means that a 20-a-day smoker would spend over £3,000 a year on cigarettes alone. And with every budget, the prices have only gone up, making many smokers like myself question the cost of our unhealthy habit.
Apart from the financial burden, the ever-tightening restrictions on cigarettes have made it challenging to smoke anywhere other than designated outdoor areas. As a result, cigarette breaks have become a rushed and almost secretive affair. In most workplaces, smokers are expected to clock out before lighting up, and in some cases, even changing into a smoking jacket. The intense hatred towards smoking is evident, with pictures of diseased lungs and grotesque images displayed prominently on tobacco products. In this constant battle against smoking, the smoker is often vilified, shamed, and ostracized.
However, despite all the restrictions and anti-smoking campaigns, cigarettes continue to have a considerable market in the UK. In 2019, the total value of the tobacco market was estimated to be over £18 billion. And with the rise of e-cigarettes and vaping, the industry has continued to thrive despite the decline in traditional cigarette sales. The availability of different flavors and the perception that vaping is safer has made it a popular alternative for many smokers.
But for me, and many others, the lure of cigarettes lies in the ritualistic nature of smoking. The act of taking out a cigarette, lighting it, and taking that first drag is deeply ingrained in our daily routines. It is a moment of solitude, a way to relax and unwind. And the nicotine, although addictive, provides a sense of temporary calm and relief from everyday stresses. It’s a habit that becomes a part of one’s identity, making it challenging to let go.
As a smoker in the UK, I am well aware of the health risks associated with cigarettes. The constant reminders of lung cancer, heart disease, and other conditions have instilled fear in me. But the truth is, quitting is easier said than done. I, like many others, have tried to quit multiple times, only to fall back into the habit during moments of stress or boredom.
Despite all the negative aspects of smoking, there is still something alluring about it. The image of a lone smoker, puffing away under a streetlight, still holds a certain charm. Smoking has been a significant part of British culture, with iconic figures like Winston Churchill and James Bond portrayed as cigarette smokers. The cigarette has also been used as a prop in movies and TV shows, a symbol of sophistication and rebellion. It is this association with glamour and rebellion that makes it challenging to give up entirely.
In recent years, there has been a shift in the perception of smoking. It is no longer seen as a symbol of coolness, but rather a dangerous and irresponsible habit. And rightly so, as smoking is responsible for over 78,000 deaths in the UK each year. However, as a smoker, I often feel judged and discriminated against for my choice to smoke. Non-smokers have every right to voice their concerns and advocate for healthier lifestyles, but vilifying and shaming smokers is not the way to go about it.
In conclusion, smoking has been an integral part of my life and the lives of many in the UK. Its history is deeply intertwined with the country’s culture and traditions. However, with the increasing regulations and negative image, it is becoming more challenging to be a smoker in the UK. As much as I want to quit, the habit is deeply ingrained in me, and like many others, I struggle with it daily. Only time will tell how the perception and consumption of cigarettes will evolve in the UK, but for now, I’ll continue to light up my cigarette and enjoy that brief moment of serenity in a world that is increasingly inhospitable to smokers.