Smokers in London, England, faced with the prospect of a smoking ban in pubs next year but still wanting the kick that can only come from tobacco, are giving snuff a try, according to a London tobacconist quoted on the BBC website.
Sales at Wilsons & Co (Sharrow) Ltd have grown by 10% over the past two years, says Jeremy Archdale, one of descendents of the original family, who started the Sheffield-based company in 1737.
"It's amazing how many younger people are looking at snuff and it's happening in other countries. We had some visitors from Switzerland 10 days ago, who said the average age of snuff users there is 24," says Mr Archdale.
Snuff is finely ground dry tobacco that is snorted up the nostrils in small amounts and was at one time a popular habit among flouncing London dandies armed with handkerchiefs. It is still provided free to Members of the House of Commons in a tradition that goes back to the 18th century.
Snuff gives a stronger and quicker kick than cigarettes, says the BBC reporter who tried it.
Manager Paul Bielby says the Chinese used to take snuff from a small spoon, but I tap a little Red Bull - a strong menthol-scented snuff - on to the back of my hand.
As the soft brown powder hits the air, the scent of menthol rises strongly. I take a firm pinch as recommended and sniff hard. The scent rushes up my nose and the menthol immediately clears my head. I also get the nicotine rush that comes with smoking a cigarette although this feels a bit more intense, as if my senses seem sharpened.
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