benson & hedges cigarettes
As someone who has been a smoker for the past 10 years, I have seen the evolution of the cigarette industry in the UK. From the introduction of plain packaging to the increase in prices, cigarettes have become a controversial and expensive habit. In this article, I will give a detailed account of the current state of cigarettes in the UK, from their history to their impact on individuals and society.
Let’s start with some history. In 1573, tobacco was introduced to England by Sir Walter Raleigh, and since then, it has become a part of our culture. Smoking was seen as a symbol of sophistication and wealth, and it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the health hazards of smoking were widely known.
In 1971, the UK government took the first step towards regulating the tobacco industry by introducing a ban on advertising cigarettes on television and radio. This was followed by the ban on advertising in newspapers and magazines in 2003. These measures were taken to reduce the appeal of smoking, especially to young people.
In 2007, the UK became one of the first countries to introduce graphic health warnings on cigarette packs. These images, which show the harmful effects of smoking, have become a common sight on every pack of cigarettes sold in the UK. In 2015, plain packaging was introduced, which means that all cigarette packs must be a standard dark green color with no branding or logos on them. This move was aimed at making the packs less appealing to potential smokers.
Another significant change in recent years has been the rise in the price of cigarettes. In 2017, the government announced its plan to increase the price of cigarettes by 2% above inflation every year until 2020. This decision was based on evidence that higher prices lead to a decrease in the number of smokers. As a result, a pack of cigarettes, which used to cost around £9, now costs around £12. This has made cigarettes a luxury item for many, and some have even been forced to quit due to financial reasons.
However, despite all these efforts, the UK still has a significant number of smokers. According to the Office for National Statistics, 14.1% of adults in the UK smoke regularly, with the highest rates among young adults aged 18-24. This number may seem small, but it still accounts for approximately 7 million people.
So why do people continue to smoke despite knowing the health risks and the high cost? As a smoker, I can say that the addiction to nicotine is powerful and hard to break. I have tried to quit several times, but the physical and psychological cravings always pull me back in. But it’s not just the addiction that keeps people smoking; there are social and cultural factors at play as well.
In the UK, smoking is still seen as a social activity, and many people use it as a way to bond with others. Whether it’s after a meal, on a night out, or during work breaks, smoking provides a sense of community among smokers. It is also used as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety, providing smokers with a temporary sense of relaxation.
However, with the rise of electronic cigarettes, commonly known as e-cigarettes, there has been a shift in the smoking culture in the UK. E-cigarettes, which are supposedly a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, have gained popularity among smokers. According to a report by Action on Smoking and Health, around 40% of smokers have tried e-cigarettes, and 11% have switched completely to them. This reflects a changing attitude towards smoking, where people are more concerned about their health and are open to alternative options.
But this shift in the smoking culture has also brought about its own set of controversies. While e-cigarettes are marketed as a safer alternative, there is still a lack of substantial evidence to support this claim. Additionally, the long-term effects of using e-cigarettes are still unknown. Moreover, with the rise in popularity of e-cigarettes, there is a concern that they are normalizing smoking, especially among young people.
Another issue that arises from the popularity of e-cigarettes is the increasing number of young people who are using them. According to a survey by the UK’s National Health Service, as of 2018, 15.8% of 11-18-year-olds reported ever using e-cigarettes, and 5.5% reported currently using them. This is a worrying trend, as it indicates that young people are getting addicted to nicotine at a younger age.
In addition to the health concerns, there is also the issue of regulating e-cigarettes. In the UK, e-cigarettes are unregulated, which means that there are no strict guidelines on advertising and packaging. This has led to a rise in the marketing of e-cigarettes, with celebrity endorsements and attractive packaging targeted towards young people.
While the smoking landscape in the UK is changing, cigarettes still remain a significant issue in our society. The health risks and financial burden of smoking cannot be ignored, and it is clear that more needs to be done to curb the number of smokers in the country. Stricter regulations on e-cigarettes and further measures to reduce the appeal of smoking, particularly to young people, are crucial steps in tackling this issue.
In conclusion, cigarettes in the UK have come a long way since their introduction in the 16th century. While various measures have been implemented to reduce the number of smokers, smoking still remains a prevalent habit in our society. The rise of e-cigarettes has brought about a new set of challenges, but it has also opened up a conversation about the future of smoking in the UK. As someone who has experienced the highs and lows of being a smoker, I believe that more efforts need to be made to help people quit and prevent young people from starting this harmful habit. Only then can we see a significant change in the smoking culture in the UK.