As someone who has grown up in the United Kingdom, I have seen cigarettes become a part of daily life for many people. It seems that everywhere you go, there are people lighting up and puffing away, oblivious to the harmful effects that their habit has not only on themselves, but on those around them.
I remember as a child, walking to school and passing by groups of people huddled outside office buildings, pubs and shops, each with a cigarette dangling between their fingers. It was a common sight to see someone lighting up while waiting for the bus or even in a restaurant. Back then, it was almost expected and accepted as a normal part of life. But as I grew older and became more aware of the dangers of smoking, I began to question why it was still such a prevalent habit in our society.
Cigarettes have a long and storied history in the UK, dating back to the 16th century when tobacco was first introduced to the country. It quickly gained popularity and by the 19th century, it was considered a symbol of sophistication and status. However, with the rise in popularity came an increase in health concerns. In the 1950s, studies began to link smoking to lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. The government responded by placing health warnings on cigarette packaging and banning advertising on television and radio.
Despite these measures, smoking continued to be a widespread habit and it wasn’t until the 1990s that the UK government took a more proactive approach to tackling the issue. In 1998, it introduced a ban on smoking in public places, such as workplaces and public transport. This was a massive step towards protecting non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. However, smoking in bars and restaurants was still allowed, much to the dismay of many individuals and organizations pushing for a complete ban.
It wasn’t until 2006 that a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places was implemented, making the UK one of the first countries to do so. The effects were immediate and many pubs and restaurants saw a decline in business as smokers were forced to step outside to have a cigarette. But as a non-smoker, I was relieved to be able to enjoy a night out without having to come home smelling like an ashtray.
With tighter restrictions on where and when cigarettes could be smoked, it seemed like the UK was making progress in reducing the number of smokers. However, according to the Office for National Statistics, as of 2019, 14.7% of adults in the UK still smoked. That’s nearly 7 million people putting themselves at risk for a range of health issues, including lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. It’s a staggering number and one that shows that we still have a long way to go in combatting this addictive and deadly habit.
One factor that contributes to the prevalence of smoking in the UK is the affordable pricing of cigarettes compared to other countries. In fact, between 2006 and 2016, the average price of a pack of cigarettes in the UK increased by only 66 pence, leading to speculation that the government is not doing enough to deter people from smoking. In contrast, countries like Australia and Norway have seen a significant decline in smoking rates after implementing steep taxes on tobacco products.
There’s also the issue of availability. In the UK, cigarettes can be purchased at almost any corner shop or supermarket, making it easy for anyone, regardless of age, to pick up a pack. It’s also alarming to see how much marketing and advertising is still being done for cigarettes. Despite the ban on TV and radio advertising, companies are still able to advertise through other means such as sponsorship deals, point-of-sale displays and even on social media.
But perhaps the biggest reason why smoking remains a prevalent habit in the UK is the addiction itself. Nicotine, the main component in cigarettes, is a highly addictive substance that keeps people hooked, making it incredibly difficult to quit. And with smoking often being used as a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety, many people struggle to give it up even when they know the health risks.
As a non-smoker, I find it frustrating and disheartening to see so many people still addicted to cigarettes and putting their health at risk. But I also understand that quitting is a difficult process and that it requires support and resources. That’s why I believe it’s important for the UK government to continue to take action to deter people from starting in the first place, and to offer help and support for those who want to kick the habit.
One ongoing effort is the “Stoptober” campaign, which challenges smokers to quit for 28 days during the month of October. It also provides resources and support for those looking to quit, such as free quit kits, a mobile app and online support. There’s also the government’s “Smokefree” initiative, which offers advice, tools and support to help people quit for good.
But it’s not just up to the government to tackle this issue. As individuals, we can also play a role in promoting a smoke-free society. We can educate ourselves and others on the health risks of smoking, and be supportive and understanding towards those who are trying to quit. It’s also important to speak out against the glamorization of smoking and the marketing tactics used by tobacco companies.
In conclusion, cigarettes in the UK have a long and complicated history, and while there have been significant steps taken to deter smoking, it still remains a prevalent and harmful habit. As a society, we must continue to push for more action from the government and spread awareness about the dangers of smoking. Let’s work towards a future where cigarettes are a thing of the past, and our health and well-being are not compromised by this deadly addiction.