COUNTRY LIFE: You’d be forgiven for thinking that young people are a bunch of mopes, who refuse to drink, go dancing or have sex and are ruining British nightlife for all — but you're wrong, says Will Hosie.
Listen to the media (not me, mind) and you’d be forgiven for thinking that young people are a bunch of mopes, who refuse to drink, go dancing or have sex and are ruining British nightlife for all. Rejoice, then, for the tide is turning. A recent book by Norwegian sociologist Willy Pedersen argues that binge drinking in one’s youth can improve career prospects. People have taken note: The Hart in Marylebone, is rammed every night.
Although there’s something to be said for correlation over causation — those who can afford a £7 pint have likely had a leg up in other parts of life — this hasn’t stopped columnists from extolling the virtues of hard living. ‘My generation,’ wrote former British Vogue editor Alexandra Schulman in the Mail on Sunday recently, ‘drank our way to the top.’ With pride, I daresay.
Teenagers addicted to vapes are now using cigarettes to wean themselves off'
They smoked, too — several packs a day. To the chagrin of doctors, nurses and vape lobbyists, the habit is back with a vengeance. Riding the success of her culture-lassoing album, West End Girl, Lily Allen graced the runway last month for 16Arlington sporting a glamorous Holly Golightly-style dress and the ultimate style accessory: a Vogue. » | Will Hosie | Monday, December 8, 2025
ITVX: Smoking to be banned for future generations in Wales as landmark bill voted through: People turning 18 from 2027 will never be able to legally buy cigarettes in Wales. / That's after the Senedd voted to pass a landmark Bill affecting anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. / From 2027, it will become illegal to sell tobacco to anyone who is 18 years old. »
MAJORCA DAILY BULLETIN: Last orders for smoking on bar and restaurant terraces in Spain: Government gets tough as tobacco prices increase again »
No wonder the far right is gaining in strength right across the continent (including in the UK). Politicians have lost all common sense. They sweat the little things whilst the continent is under existential threat from Russia! Are simple pleasures and fun to be outlawed for future generations now? These bans MUST FAIL. They will HAVE TO BE OVERTURNED! And these ridiculous politicians must be kicked out of office.
By the way, I write this as a non-smoker. As an ex-smoker to be precise. In fact, I notice that it is the tenth of December. That being the case, it is precisely THREE YEARS AND EIGHT MONTHS since I smoked my last cigarette. Naturally, as I had been a lifelong smoker, I am very proud of my achievement. In April, it will be exactly four years that I will be smoke-free.
However, smoking gave me years and years of pleasure so, just because I have quit, I do not expect the rest of the world to quit with me. I do not wish to deny others one of life’s greatest pleasures: smoking a fine cigarette, especially with a quality drink.
Were I to be in the position of doing so, there are many things in this world that I might consider banning, but that certainly would not be smoking a humble cigarette.
The western world is turning into a madhouse! — © Mark Alexander
