I don’t smoke, but have always been fascinated by the culture surrounding cigarettes. In the UK, cigarettes have a long history, from the traditional pubs to the Cohiba cigar clubs. While cigarettes have received a lot of criticism in recent years, many people still enjoy them.
Cigarette smoking in the UK has been around since the late 19th century. The most popular brands of the decade were Craven A and Woods. By the mid-20th century, tobacco had become an important industry in the UK, with famous cigarette brands such as Benson & Hedges, Players, and Embassy becoming household names. Nowadays, there are still some popular brands, such as Marlboro and Lambert & Butler.
The culture of smoking cigarettes in the UK is unique. Traditional pubs are known for their ‘smokey’ atmosphere due to the pub’s penchant for cigarettes. Pubs often provide a designated smoking area, usually with an ashtray and a cigarette vending machine. This culture of smoking has been around for many years, and is still found in pubs in the UK today.
Cigarette smoking has also found a home amongst the British upper class. Cohiba cigar clubs are a popular meeting place for the well-to-do, where they can socialise and enjoy fine cigars. Cigarette enthusiasts often visit these clubs to try out different brands, as well as to socialise with other members.
However, while cigarette smoking is still popular in the UK, the last few decades have seen an increase in regulation and restrictions. In 2007, the UK government introduced the Smoking Ban, banning smoking in all enclosed public places (including pubs and restaurants). This resulted in the closure of many tobacco shops, as well as many death of the iconic pub culture.
Also, the prices of cigarettes have been steadily increasing, leading many smokers to either give up or cut down on their cigarette consumption. Cigarettes are now heavily taxed (up to 80% of the retail price in some cases), making them expensive to buy. This has led to a decrease in the number of smokers in the UK, as well as an increase in the popularity of electronic cigarettes and other smoking substitutes.
These days, cigarettes still have a place in UK culture. However, more and more people are looking for alternatives and finding other ways to enjoy themselves without the dangers associated with traditional cigarettes. This includes using electronic options, such as vapes and e-cigarettes, as well as shisha and herbal tobacco products.
Cigarettes have been a part of the UK culture since the late 19th century, and while they are still around, their popularity has diminished in recent years. With increasing regulation and expensive prices, more and more people are moving away from traditional cigarettes in favour of other options. Nonetheless, there are still those who enjoy the culture that comes with cigarettes – it’s just not as popular as it used to be.