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I’m a smoker. I started smoking cigarettes when I was 16 and it’s been a hard habit to break. Despite all the warnings, I keep smoking. When I heard about the UK smoking ban, I was worried. But I was also excited to find that smokers still had places to puff in peace.
The UK smoking ban, introduced in July 2007, prohibits smoking in virtually all indoor enclosed public spaces and workplaces including all pubs, bars, restaurant, workplaces and other public places. It changed the way people smoked in the UK overnight. But there are still plenty of places to smoke in the UK. For example, you can still smoke in parks and beaches, outdoor seating areas, in your own home (if you own or rent it) and, of course, in designated smoking areas
To be honest, I don’t mind the smoking ban in the UK. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised when I first experienced it. After years of being surrounded by cigarette smoke in bars and restaurants, it was a welcome change to be able to enjoy a meal or drink without having to inhale second-hand smoke.
I also think the ban has helped to reduce the number of smokers. In recent years, the number of people in the UK who smoke has decreased significantly with recent estimates showing that around 15% of the UK adult population are smokers. This is compared to around 25% in 2007 when the smoking ban was first introduced.
Despite the positive aspects of the smoking ban, there are still some downsides. While you can still find smoking areas in most pubs and restaurants, they are often cramped and smoky, making it unpleasant for other customers. Some venues have responded by providing outdoor seating or “vaping zones” for customers who would rather not be exposed to smoke. But there’s still room for improvement.
Price is also an issue. Cigarette prices in the UK are amongst the highest in Europe with an average pack of 20 cigarettes costing over £10. This puts smoking out of the reach of many people and can be a major barrier to quitting.
Overall, I think the smoking ban in the UK is a good thing. It has made it much easier for people to enjoy a meal or a drink without inhaling second-hand smoke. It has also contributed to the significant decline in the number of smokers in the UK in recent years. However, there are still some things that could be improved, such as providing more pleasant smoking areas and making cigarettes more affordable.