My experience with smoking in Australia has been quite interesting. I have always been a fan of menthol cigarettes and was disappointed to find out that they were banned in Australia. However, I recently discovered that it is possible to buy menthol cigarettes in Australia and I couldn’t be happier.
For those who are not familiar, menthol cigarettes are regular cigarette brands that have menthol added to them. This gives users a cool and refreshing sensation when smoking. Menthol cigarettes have been popular in many countries for decades, but in Australia, they were banned in 2012 due to the Australian government’s efforts to reduce smoking rates.
The decision to ban menthol cigarettes was largely based on research that suggested the minty flavor of menthol can make it easier for young people to start smoking. But for someone who has been smoking for many years, like myself, menthol cigarettes are a personal preference and not a gateway to smoking.
Despite the ban, there are still ways to purchase menthol cigarettes in Australia. The most common way is to buy them online from international retailers. However, it is important to note that this may come with additional taxes and fees. Additionally, there is always a risk of purchasing counterfeit or low-quality products from online sources.
Another option is to buy menthol cigarettes from duty-free shops at airports when returning from overseas trips. Although this may seem appealing, it is not a reliable option for regular smokers as it requires frequent travel.
Fortunately, some local retailers in Australia have found a way around the ban and are now selling menthol cigarettes. These retailers have found a loophole in the legislation and are importing menthol cigarettes labeled as “cigarette pipes” or “pipe tobacco”. These products are essentially the same as menthol cigarettes but sold under a different name to comply with the ban.
However, it is important to note that these products come with a higher price tag compared to regular cigarettes due to the added costs of importing and labeling. This may also discourage some smokers from purchasing menthol cigarettes, which ultimately defeats the purpose of providing an alternative option.
Many smokers have criticized the ban on menthol cigarettes, stating that it is a violation of their personal freedom and choice. After all, the decision to smoke is a personal one and adults should have the right to choose what they want to smoke. Furthermore, menthol smokers argue that the ban has not significantly reduced smoking rates and has only made it harder for them to continue their smoking habit.
The ban on menthol cigarettes has also had a negative impact on the economy, particularly for small retailers who depend on selling tobacco products. The ban has resulted in a decline in sales for these retailers and some have been forced to close their doors. This has also led to job losses and a decrease in tax revenue for the government.
However, on the flip side, opponents of menthol cigarettes argue that the ban has actually helped reduce smoking rates, especially among young people. They claim that the minty flavor of menthol cigarettes makes it easier for teenagers to start smoking and that the ban has made it harder for them to access these products.
Despite the opposing views, one thing is for sure, menthol cigarettes continue to remain a popular choice among smokers in Australia. Whether it is due to personal preference or a rebellious act against the ban, many smokers still find ways to purchase menthol cigarettes.
In conclusion, while menthol cigarettes are indeed banned in Australia, it is still possible to purchase them through various means. The ban has sparked debate and controversy, with supporters and opponents having different views on whether it has been effective in reducing smoking rates. Ultimately, the decision to smoke should be a personal choice and individuals should have the freedom to choose what they want to smoke. After all, it’s all about personal preference.