Ban sparks rise in smokers quitting
Updated on 21 August 2008
The number of people quitting smoking has surged since the ban on lighting up in public places was introduced, new figures showed.
More than 350,000 successfully kicked the habit during the 12 months to April - up 10% on the previous year.
The smoking ban came into effect in England in July 2007, despite complaints from civil liberties campaigners and fears that it would damage trade at pubs, clubs and restaurants.
The latest statistics released by the NHS Information Centre suggest that the health benefits promised by ministers are materialising.
Just over half those who contacted the service in England for help with quitting succeeded - defined as not smoking for a month. The figure of 350,800 compares to 319,720 in 2006/07.
NHS spending on stop-smoking services rose by some £10m to £61m. That meant each successful quitter cost the taxpayer £173, up from around £160.
More women tried to give up the habit, but men were slightly more successful, according to the figures. Older people also fared better than under-18s.
Some 18,977 pregnant women set a date to quit, but just 52% managed to achieve it.
Over two-thirds of those who tried to give up used treatments such as nicotine gum, patches or nasal spray.
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