I have been a smoker for almost 10 years now and have witnessed the evolution of cigarettes in the UK. From the packaging to the regulations, cigarettes have gone through many changes in the past decade. In this article, I want to share my thoughts on the current state of cigarettes in the UK and how it has affected smokers like myself.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of cigarettes in the UK is the packaging. Gone are the days of flashy and eye-catching cigarette boxes. The new packaging is plain, dull, and quite frankly, unattractive. The government’s decision to implement this change was to discourage people, especially young individuals, from picking up smoking as a habit. As a smoker, I understand the reasoning behind this decision, but I can’t help but feel that it takes away a small luxury that we smokers used to enjoy. Opening a pack of cigarettes used to feel like a treat, now it just feels like a chore.
Another noticeable change in the packaging is the addition of graphic health warnings. These warnings cover almost 65% of the front and back of the box and depict various health implications of smoking, such as lung cancer and heart disease. While I appreciate the effort to educate people on the dangers of smoking, it does little to deter smokers. We know the risks, but addiction is not an easy thing to overcome. Plus, the warnings have now become so commonplace that they no longer have the shock factor they once did.
Moving on to the actual cigarettes themselves, the most significant change is the introduction of standardized packs. This means that all cigarettes now come in a uniform size and shape, with no branding or logos on them. The aim of this measure was to make cigarettes less appealing to young individuals. And while it may have some impact, I feel that it takes away the individuality of different brands. As a smoker, I have my preferences, and not being able to distinguish between them can be frustrating. Plus, it also makes it easier to mix up different brands, which can be quite unpleasant.
When it comes to purchasing cigarettes in the UK, it has become quite a hassle. The government has put in place strict regulations, making it challenging to buy cigarettes. One of the most significant changes is the ban on displaying cigarettes in shops. They are now kept behind closed doors or under shutters, making it difficult to browse and compare prices. As a result, purchasing cigarettes has become a much longer and more tedious process.
Moreover, the price of cigarettes has significantly increased over the years. With taxes and duties, a pack of 20 cigarettes can cost up to £10. This is quite a jump from what I used to pay when I first started smoking. As a working-class individual, this increase has put a strain on my budget. I have to be more mindful of how many cigarettes I smoke in a day, as I cannot afford to indulge in my habit as much as I used to. This has also led to the rise of alternative smoking methods such as roll-your-own cigarettes and e-cigarettes, which are cheaper options but still not as satisfying as a regular cigarette.
Another impact of the high price of cigarettes is the rise of counterfeit cigarettes in the market. These fake cigarettes are sold at a much lower price and do not adhere to the regulations set by the government. Not only are these counterfeit cigarettes a potential health risk, but they also contribute to the black market and result in lost tax revenues for the government. It’s a lose-lose situation for everyone involved.
Aside from the packaging and regulations, there have also been changes in where we can smoke. In 2007, the UK government implemented a smoking ban in all enclosed public places. This means that smoking is not allowed in restaurants, pubs, and other places of work. While this has been beneficial for non-smokers who no longer have to endure second-hand smoke, it has limited the places where we can smoke freely. As a result, smokers are now restricted to designated smoking areas, which are often small and overcrowded.
Despite all these changes and regulations, smoking is still deeply embedded in British culture. Many public figures, including politicians and celebrities, are smokers themselves. And although there is a decline in smoking rates, there is still a significant number of smokers in the UK. The fact remains that addiction is not easy to overcome, and smokers will continue to smoke, regardless of regulations and warnings.
In conclusion, the cigarette industry in the UK has undergone many significant changes in the past decade. From packaging to regulations, the government has taken steps to discourage smoking and protect the health of its citizens. However, as a smoker, I cannot help but feel that these changes have taken away some of the enjoyment of smoking, while also making it more challenging to indulge in our habit. As with most things, it is a matter of balance and finding a middle ground that benefits both smokers and non-smokers.