Let me paint a picture for you. I’m standing outside a pub on a cold winter night, huddling between two other smokers, puffing away on my cigarette. The smoke swirls around us, creating a hazy fog. We’re not supposed to be smoking here, but we do it anyway, trying to hide from the harsh reality that awaits us inside.
This is a common scene in the UK, where smoking has become an integral part of the culture. Despite all the negative health effects and increasing taxes, cigarettes still hold a special place in the hearts and pockets of many Brits. As a smoker myself, I’ve seen the ups and downs of being a tobacco consumer in this country, and I’m here to share my story with you.
First and foremost, let’s talk about the price. As of 2021, the average cost of a pack of cigarettes in the UK is around £12. This may seem like a steep price to pay for some sticks of dried tobacco, but it’s actually a result of heavy taxes imposed by the government. In fact, nearly 80% of the price of a pack of cigarettes goes to taxes and duty. This makes smoking much more expensive compared to other European countries, and even more so when compared to countries outside of the EU.
But despite the high price, smoking is still a very popular habit here. In fact, according to a survey by the Office for National Statistics, around 14% of the UK population smokes. You might think that this number is small, but it still amounts to millions of people lighting up every day. And while the majority of smokers are adults, there is also a worrying trend of younger people taking up smoking. This is why there have been strict laws and regulations put in place to try and discourage underage smoking.
One of these regulations is the ban on smoking in public places. This was introduced in 2007 in England, followed by the rest of the UK in the following years. As a result, we smokers have been relegated to designated smoking areas, often found just outside of pubs, restaurants, and other buildings. While this may seem like a small inconvenience, it definitely has its drawbacks, especially during the cold, wet, and windy British weather. But being the resilient smokers we are, we make do with what little shelter we have, determined to enjoy our cigarettes even if it means freezing our fingers off.
Speaking of the weather, the unpredictable nature of the British climate has also affected smokers in other ways. For example, during the infamous “Beast from the East” snowstorm of 2018, there were reports of smokers stockpiling cigarettes in fear of not being able to buy them during the bad weather. And let’s not forget the hot summer days when we have to take extra precautions to make sure our cigarettes don’t get wet from the sweat dripping down our faces.
But despite all the challenges, we continue to smoke. Some of us do it to relieve stress, while others do it simply out of habit. And let’s not kid ourselves, cigarettes provide a certain pleasure that is hard to give up. The nicotine in cigarettes gives us a temporary sense of calm and relaxation, a feeling that some of us are willing to pay a high price for.
But smoking isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It comes with a range of health risks, some of which are well-known, while others are often overlooked. Lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses are just some of the well-established health issues associated with smoking. But did you know that smoking also increases your risk of developing cataracts, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease? These are serious consequences that we smokers often choose to ignore.
And it’s not just our own health we’re putting at risk. Secondhand smoke is also a concern, especially for non-smokers who are exposed to it. This is why there have been campaigns and laws to ban smoking in cars with children and to make outdoor seating areas smoke-free. As a considerate smoker, I try my best to respect these rules and keep my smoke away from others.
But even with all the negative effects, it seems that cigarettes continue to hold a strong grip on us. The social aspect of smoking is a big factor. When we go out with our friends, lighting up a cigarette becomes a way to bond and catch up on each other’s lives. And let’s not forget the long-standing tradition of having a cigarette with a cup of tea or coffee. These rituals may seem small, but for us smokers, they carry a sense of comfort and familiarity.
And while the trend of smoking is decreasing, it seems that the demand for cigarettes isn’t going away anytime soon. Despite all efforts to discourage smoking, the tobacco industry still remains a profitable business, with companies constantly coming up with new and innovative ways to keep us hooked. From sleek packaging to different varieties of flavors, they know how to entice us into buying their products.
But as much as I love smoking, I do recognize the harm it can cause. I’ve tried quitting multiple times, but as many fellow smokers can attest, it’s not an easy habit to break. Perhaps it’s the addictive nature of nicotine, or maybe it’s the comfort and familiarity that smoking provides. But one thing is for sure, cigarettes in the UK are here to stay for better or for worse.
In conclusion, being a smoker in the UK comes with its challenges and social stigmas. But despite the rising prices and strict regulations, we continue to light up, driven by the temporary pleasure and comfort that cigarettes provide. I hope this article has given you a glimpse into the world of smokers in the UK, and maybe shed some light on the complexities of this controversial habit. As I take my last drag of the night, I can only hope that one day I’ll find the strength to kick this addiction for good. But for now, I’ll just enjoy this moment and the familiar taste of my cigarette.