Those of you in the States may be used to clean air in bars and restaurants, but smoking is a definitive part of the culture here in the UK. Smoking is so prevalent in public areas that signs are posted everywhere about not smoking, including the Divinity Library here at school. Smoking is allowed in the Student Union, but not close to the bar. In fact, the only pub I know that has banned smoking is the Raisin, but other than that, I come home smelling like smoke far too often.

The law was passed in June of 2005 and will take effect this Sunday, so I hope to come home after spring break to a cleaner Scotland.

I find it interesting the number of smokers there are in the UK, despite high cigarette prices. Cigarettes here run about 5 pounds a pack I think, which is close to 10 dollars. I can't imagine that people can afford to smoke. However, they do sell smaller packages as well, but I'm not sure how many are in them or how much they cost.

The warnings on cigarette packages are also much bigger and stronger than those in the states. In America, from what I remember, cigarette companies get away with warning people in such a manner: "SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: Quitting Smoking Now Greatly Reduces Serious Risks to Your Health."
Here in the UK, the warnings are much different. There are laws about percentages of the pack coverage, and what exactly you have to say. My favorite warning? 30% of the package has to say either "SMOKING KILLS" or "Smoking seriously harms you and others around you."

If you want to examine the laws a little further, I think Wikipedia has a great breakdown of the UK packaging, along with a picture or two.