I am a resident of the United Kingdom, and for as long as I can remember, cigarettes have been a part of my life. Whether it was the smell of smoke lingering in the air or the sight of someone taking a puff, cigarettes were always present. However, as I grew older and became more aware of the harmful effects of smoking, my perception of cigarettes changed drastically. In this article, I will be shedding light on the state of cigarettes in the UK, their impact on individuals and society, and the measures being taken to reduce their consumption.

To begin with, let’s talk about the prevalence of smoking in the UK. According to a report by the Office for National Statistics, in 2019, 14.1% of adults in the UK identified as smokers, with the highest prevalence among 25 to 34-year-olds (22%). Although this number has been declining over the years, it still remains a significant portion of the population. Moreover, a survey conducted by the Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) organization revealed that approximately 78,000 deaths in the UK can be attributed to smoking every year. These statistics are alarming and highlight the need for stricter regulations and awareness campaigns to reduce the harmful effects of smoking.

One of the reasons for the high prevalence of smoking in the UK is the availability and accessibility of cigarettes. Walk into any corner shop, and you will find a variety of tobacco products neatly displayed on the shelves. It is no surprise that in the UK, cigarettes can be bought almost anywhere – from supermarkets to petrol stations. This makes it very convenient for smokers to purchase cigarettes whenever they want. In fact, a study by the University of Glasgow showed that there is a higher density of tobacco retailers in deprived areas, making smoking more accessible to the vulnerable populations.

Not only are cigarettes easily available, but they are also heavily marketed and advertised. Before the ban on tobacco advertising in the UK, cigarette companies would use glamorous and enticing advertisements to attract customers, particularly young adults. Although the cessation of tobacco advertising has led to a decrease in smoking among young adults, the influence of advertising can still be seen in the packaging and branding of cigarettes. For instance, cigarette packs are designed with bold and eye-catching colors and slogans to attract customers and create brand loyalty. This clever marketing tactic contributes to the normalization and social acceptance of smoking in society.

Another concerning aspect of smoking in the UK is the impact on the economy. According to a report by ASH, smoking costs the UK economy an estimated £12.6 billion annually in healthcare costs, lost productivity and premature deaths. This is a staggering figure that not only affects the healthcare system but also has a ripple effect on other industries and the overall economy. Moreover, smoking-related illnesses also result in absenteeism from work, affecting both the individual’s income and the company’s productivity.

One of the most significant measures taken by the UK government in reducing smoking rates is taxation on tobacco products. As a result, cigarettes in the UK are some of the most expensive in the world. In fact, a pack of cigarettes can cost an average of £11. This high cost is intended to deter people from smoking, especially young adults who may be more susceptible to peer pressure. Additionally, the tax revenue generated from tobacco products goes towards funding anti-smoking campaigns, tobacco control initiatives, and healthcare services.

Despite the high taxation, the black market for cigarettes remains prevalent in the UK. This is mainly due to the price difference between legal and illegal cigarettes. Illegal cigarettes can be significantly cheaper, making them an appealing alternative for smokers who cannot afford to buy cigarettes at the market price. According to the International Tax and Investment Center (ITIC), the illicit trade of cigarettes in the UK accounts for 14.9% of the total tobacco market. This has not only resulted in a loss of tax revenue for the government but also created a health hazard as these cigarettes do not undergo the same quality control as legally sold ones.

The government’s efforts to control smoking in the UK also include educational campaigns and support for smoking cessation methods. The NHS offers free counseling and nicotine replacement therapies to help smokers quit. Moreover, campaigns such as ‘Stoptober’ and ‘Smokefree’ aim to educate and encourage smokers to quit through various initiatives such as providing resources, support groups, and incentives. These efforts have proven to be successful, showing a gradual decrease in smoking rates among the general population.

Furthermore, the UK government has implemented laws to create smoke-free public places and workplaces. This means that smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, such as restaurants, bars, and public transport. This has not only reduced secondhand smoke exposure for non-smokers but also created a healthier environment for smokers who are trying to quit. In addition, initiatives such as plain packaging laws, introduced in 2016, have also been successful in reducing the appeal of cigarettes to young adults by removing branding and color from cigarette packs.

In conclusion, the state of cigarettes in the UK highlights the ongoing battle against smoking and the measures being taken to combat its harmful effects. While taxation and other regulations have made cigarettes more expensive and less accessible, there is still a lot of work to be done in reducing smoking rates and influencing societal attitudes towards smoking. It is essential that we continue to educate and support smokers who are looking to quit while also implementing stricter regulations and enforcing them to reduce the availability and visibility of cigarettes in society. Together, we can create a healthier and smoke-free UK.