Telling people where they can and cannot smoke seems to have the opposite effect with the latest figures suggesting that smoking is on the increase again despite the public smoking ban.

After a few years decline in smoking rates, the number of men who smoke has risen since the ban started in July 2007. The proportion of female smokers remains the same.

A 7,000 strong survey of people of all ages found no overall change in the amount of cigarettes smokers consume however in men aged 16-34 the figure had risen by one and a half per day.

The public smoking ban was hoped to reduce the numbers of people smoking particularly among the poorer sections of society however the working class man now smokes even more.

The NHS backed survey highlights the problem of passive smoking among children as smokers are now more likely to smoke at home instead of the pub or restaurant.

One in three people who smoke stated they were more encouraged to stay at home so they could smoke.

Quitting smoking will be on many smokers minds this time of year. Heading into a new year is the perfect time to give up cigarettes and nicotine and alternative medicine and complementary therapy can help.

Find out more about smoking addiction and the therapies that can help you to stop smoking here

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