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The Smoking Ban and Me
UK ban on smoking in confined spaces is fifteen years old
As a young man, I used to smoke between ten and twenty cigarettes a day. To give you an idea of how long ago that was, at the time I was manager of a VHS video rental store, and we also hired out games for the Sega Mega Drive. Following the chancellor’s Budget at that time, when the cost of my regular cigarettes went up to £1.30 for ten, I swore that I would free myself from their grasp. And I’m pleased I did; that same pack sells for around £6.00 these days.
Cold Turkey
The method I adopted for quitting was straightforward cold turkey, assisted by a steady supply of Jolly Rancher hard candy. I’d made several attempts to kick the habit prior to that, but each time I gave in to cravings. This time would be different. I stood resolutely to my task, and my confidence grew each day. So much so, I actually came to enjoy the challenge of fighting, and overcoming my cravings. Now, I’ve been tobacco-free for over two decades, but quitting smoking didn’t end my relationship with the evil weed.
After the aforementioned video store closed down, I took a job in a local bar, which was a nightmare post for the non-smoker. Customers would line the bar, and those who smoked blew their disgusting exhalations ahead of them, right towards yours truly. At the end of a busy shift, my…
