The UK government announced that from April 2015 Newsagents, pubs, clubs and shops will stop displaying tobacco products as part of an ongoing campaign to reduce the number of people smoking.

Jane Ellison the Public Health Minister shared “Eye-catching displays of colourful cigarette packets can encourage young people to start smoking and undermine the resolve of adults who are trying to quit. Responsible retailers already play a key part in helping to protect young people from the harmful effects of smoking.”

Ellison went on “The ending of open displays of tobacco in supermarkets has already come into effect. With only 5 months to go before the legislation applies to all shops and businesses selling tobacco, I strongly encourage retailers to start preparing for the changes now.”

While the objectives are laudable . It is vital that as many people give up tobacco as soon as possible for the very obvious reasons. And the announcement has been made during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. That being said our question is simple? Is banning the display of tobacco products a good way of promoting quitting smoking?

There do seem to be a number of methods supported by different people as the best way to ween people of the habit. You can check out some of them here.

We are keen to hear your opinions so it would be great if you could take part in our poll below.

Please do use the comment box below to add any more thoughts you may have on the subject. Should tobacco be banned totally or is it the nanny state gone to far?

Thanks very much in advance.