|
Smokers say snuff is enough
 It
has only been a week since the smoking ban but already one British company
is hoping to benefit from the new legislation.
Snuff manufacturers McChrystal have seen sales of their peppery tobacco
powder soar in Ireland since the ban was brought in over three years ago.
And now the Leicester-based company is hoping British smokers will mirror
the trend in Ireland where sales have rocketed among young people.
Managing director Ian McChrystal said: “Sales in Ireland have gone
up by between 15 and 20 per cent in the last two years and that ties-in
approximately to when the smoking ban was introduced.
“While you can’t categorically connect the two, in my opinion
one comes on the back of the other.
“People don’t want to go out in the wind and rain for a smoke.
“And while people taking snuff in Britain have traditionally been
over 40, those involved in snuff clubs in Ireland and in places like Switzerland
and Sweden are in their 20s and 30s.”
In general the smoking ban has been met with mixed feelings in England.
For the majority of the patrons of Ganleys Irish Bar in Surrey, it has
been business as usual.
And bar manager Charlie Drzazga said: “It’s early days yet
but I certainly notice a difference in the air quality. People are just
getting on with it and taking it in their stride.
“We’ll probably notice the difference in winter time but at
the moment custom is pretty much the same as before.”
And at the St. Francis Centre in Handsworth, Birmingham, staff member
Carol Dillon said: “There’ve been a few moans but it hasn’t
affected sales at all.
“Personally I’m totally for it and I’ve noticed I don’t
smell horrible after my daily shift. It’s nice going home feeling
fresh and clean.”
While the smoking ban may demonise cigarettes, serious smokers are choosing
to take snuff to get their nicotine fix which is exempt from the new laws.
The Albion Pub in Shoreditch, East London, started selling snuff last
year and since the ban was introduced has seen an increase in the number
of snuffers.
Proprietor Dave Chapman said: “We introduced snuff to our bar over
six months ago.
“We went from selling zero to about 25 tins a week. At only £2
per tin it’s so much cheaper than cigarettes and lasts for about
10 days or more.
“It’s only right that is should make a comeback because snuff
was around long before cigarettes and now it’s reinventing itself
again.”
|
