Almost half of Britain’s ten million smokers have tried to quit in the year since smoking was banned in public places, according to a survey released today. Of the 43 per cent of smokers who tried to quit, however, only one per cent have managed to quit the habit.
"It is great to see that the smoking ban has encouraged so many people to try to quit but smokers clearly need more help to stop completely”, says Dame Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation.
"Smoking cessation services and Nicotine Replacement Therapy need to be freely available for as long as people need it which in some cases may be for life. Considering how much smoking-related illnesses cost the NHS, this would be a cost-effective way of encouraging people to kick the habit".
A survey of 27,000 smokers found the biggest motivation was the New Year, when one in 10 tried to quit. However the the law change in England last July acted as a big incentive for smokers to give up, with one in 12 using that as their date to try quitting. The survey was conducted by Cancer Research UK.
The BLF also supports the removal of cigarette displays at point of sale and on banning cigarettes from vending machines.
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