As a non-smoker, I have always been curious about the popularity of cigarettes in the UK. In a country known for its strict laws and regulations, it surprises me that smoking is still such a prevalent habit. In this article, I want to delve into the world of cigarettes in the UK and explore its impact on individuals, society, and the economy.
Despite the significant decrease in smoking rates over the years, cigarettes are still one of the leading causes of preventable death in the UK. According to a report by the Office for National Statistics, in 2019, 14.1% of adults in the UK smoked, with a higher prevalence among men (16.9%) than women (12.3%). This means that approximately 7.4 million people in the UK were smokers, and this number is a cause for concern.
So why do people smoke? With all the information available about the harmful effects of smoking, it is hard to believe that anyone would willingly start this habit. However, for most smokers, it starts as a social activity, peer pressure, or a way to cope with stress or anxiety. Unfortunately, once the addiction sets in, it becomes challenging to quit, and the health consequences begin to pile up.
One of the reasons behind the high smoking rates in the UK is the easy availability of cigarettes. Walk into any corner shop, and you will find a wide variety of tobacco products on display. Unlike in other parts of the world, cigarettes in the UK are not hidden behind counters or placed out of reach. This easy accessibility plays a significant role in the normalization of smoking, especially for young people.
Speaking of young people, the UK has been making efforts to discourage them from starting smoking. The legal age to purchase cigarettes was raised from 16 to 18 in 2007, making it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy or even attempt to buy tobacco products. This law also applies to the sale of e-cigarettes, another smoking trend that has gained popularity in recent years. Despite these measures, there is still a concerning number of young people smoking. In 2020, a survey by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) found that 8% of 11-15-year-olds had tried smoking, and 3% were current smokers.
Apart from the health consequences, smoking also has a substantial financial impact on individuals and the economy. With the average price of a pack of cigarettes in the UK reaching £10, smokers end up spending hundreds or even thousands of pounds each year on their habit. For the individuals, this means less money for essential needs such as food, bills, and healthcare. On a broader scale, smoking costs the UK economy a staggering £12.6 billion every year in healthcare costs, lost productivity, and social care.
The UK government has implemented several measures over the years to discourage smoking, with varying degrees of success. One of the most significant steps was the ban on smoking in public places in 2007. This law prohibits smoking in indoor public spaces such as bars, restaurants, and public transportation. This move has significantly reduced exposure to secondhand smoke, making public spaces healthier and more enjoyable for non-smokers.
However, despite all these measures, smoking still remains a multi-billion-pound industry in the UK. The tobacco industry is one of the most powerful and influential in the country, with a significant amount of money invested in advertising and lobbying. This money has been able to delay and water down some of the smoking regulations, convincing the public that smoking is a personal choice and not a public health issue.
But it is not just the government and the tobacco companies that are benefiting from the sale of cigarettes. The UK also enjoys a significant revenue stream from tobacco taxes. In the financial year 2019/2020, tobacco duties and VAT generated £9.5 billion for the country. This may be seen as a win-win situation, where the government benefits from the taxes, and smokers are “paying their way.” However, the truth is that the majority of the costs resulting from smoking, such as healthcare, far outweigh the revenue generated by tobacco taxes.
Another concern surrounding the tobacco industry in the UK is the rise of new and innovative tobacco products. E-cigarettes, also known as vaping devices, have taken the country by storm in recent years. These electronic devices heat a nicotine-containing liquid and produce a vapor that users inhale. Despite being marketed as a safer alternative to cigarettes, there is still a lack of research on the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes. This has led to debates and conflicting opinions among experts and health officials about their use and regulation.
In my opinion, the rise of alternative tobacco products is a direct result of the strict laws and regulations on traditional cigarettes. The tobacco industry, being a business, has found a way to adapt to the changing times and continue to profit from the sale of nicotine products.
To conclude, I cannot help but wonder whether the UK will ever become a smoke-free country. With all the information we have about the health and financial implications of smoking, it is hard to justify its continued existence. However, as long as there is a demand for cigarettes and alternative tobacco products, the industry will find a way to supply them. It is up to us as individuals to make informed decisions about our health and the health of those around us. As for the government and tobacco companies, it is time to prioritize the well-being of the population over profits.