As a Briton living in the UK, cigarettes have always been a common sight in my daily life. Whether it’s the strong smell of smoke on the streets, or the bright packs displayed in convenience stores, cigarettes seem to be an ever-present part of our culture. However, as someone who has never smoked, I have always been curious about the history and impact of cigarettes in the UK. So, I decided to do some research and share my findings in this article.
To start off, let’s dive into the history of cigarettes in the UK. Although tobacco was introduced to Europe in the 16th century, cigarettes didn’t become popular until the late 19th century. In fact, the first commercially successful cigarettes were produced by the British tobacco company, W.D. & H.O. Wills, in 1889. At the time, cigarettes were seen as a luxury item and were primarily smoked by the upper class.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and cigarettes had become a widespread habit among people of all social classes. The two world wars played a significant role in increasing the popularity of cigarettes, as soldiers were provided with them as part of their rations. This ultimately normalized smoking as a social activity and led to a surge in tobacco consumption across the UK.
However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that the harmful effects of smoking started to gain attention. Studies linking smoking to lung cancer and other health issues began to emerge, causing concern among the public. In response, the UK government launched its first anti-smoking campaign in 1962, with the iconic slogan “Coughs and sneezes spread diseases – trap the germs in your handkerchief.” This campaign marked the beginning of efforts to reduce smoking rates in the UK.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the government continued to introduce various measures to discourage smoking, such as banning cigarette advertising on TV and increasing taxes on tobacco products. These actions had some success, with smoking rates declining from 45% in 1974 to 28% in 2000. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that significant changes were made, which had a lasting impact on reducing smoking in the UK.
One of the most influential actions taken was the ban on smoking in public places, which came into effect in 2007. This ban made it illegal to smoke in enclosed public spaces, such as restaurants, bars and offices. As a non-smoker, this change has made a noticeable difference in my life. I no longer have to avoid certain places due to the overwhelming smell of smoke, and I can enjoy a meal without having to breathe in second-hand smoke.
In addition to the public place ban, graphic health warnings were also introduced on cigarette packs in 2008. These warnings, such as a picture of a diseased lung, were designed to shock and inform smokers of the consequences of their habit. As someone who has seen these warnings on a daily basis, I can say that they have had a strong impact on people’s perceptions of smoking.
Despite all these efforts, smoking remains a significant issue in the UK, with approximately 14% of the adult population still smoking in 2019. This is lower than the 28% in 2000, but it’s still a concerning statistic. Smoking-related illnesses are the primary cause of preventable death in the UK, with an estimated 78,000 deaths per year.
One of the biggest concerns surrounding cigarettes in the UK is their accessibility and affordability for young people. While the legal age to purchase cigarettes is 18, studies have shown that many teenagers have no problem obtaining them. This is largely due to the cheap cost of cigarettes, with a pack of 20 costing around £10. This low cost, combined with the addictive nature of nicotine, makes it easy for young people to become regular smokers.
As a response to this issue, the UK government has recently introduced plain packaging for cigarettes. This means that all cigarettes are now sold in a generic brown coloured packaging with large, graphic health warnings. The idea behind this is to make cigarettes less appealing to young people, as well as make it harder for them to recognize their preferred brand.
Another measure taken to reduce smoking rates in the UK is the rise in popularity of e-cigarettes. While still considered controversial, e-cigarettes are generally seen as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes. These devices use a liquid, which is heated and inhaled, and some contain nicotine while others do not. They have become increasingly popular among smokers, with 7% of the UK population using them regularly in 2019.
In recent years, there has also been a significant shift in societal attitudes towards smoking. While smoking was once seen as a social norm, it is now widely perceived as a negative and unhealthy habit. Smoking has become less socially acceptable, and many workplaces, including mine, have implemented strict no-smoking policies. This change in attitude is crucial in reducing the prevalence of smoking in the UK, as it encourages people to quit or not to start in the first place.
In conclusion, cigarettes in the UK have a long and complex history. While the habit has become less prevalent in recent years, there is still a long way to go in reducing smoking rates and preventing smoking-related illnesses. The UK government has taken significant steps to address this issue, from banning smoking in public places to introducing plain packaging for cigarettes. However, smoking continues to be a pervasive issue in our society, and it will take a collective effort to make a lasting change. As a non-smoker, I hope for a future where cigarettes are no longer a part of everyday life in the UK.