Help us ban the sale of cigarettes from vending machines

It's illegal to sell cigarettes to children...but did you know that across England and Wales 46,000 11-15 year olds regularly buy them?

That's because one in six children who smoke buy their cigarettes from cigarette vending machines.

We want to reduce the number of young people who are putting their health at risk. To help do this, we want to see an immediate ban on the sale of cigarettes from vending machines.

Support our campaign and sign our petition now.

Have you spotted a cigarette vending machine that's easily accessible to children? Post a comment and let us know.

Will new shock images stop smokers?

This week, graphic pictures will appear on cigarette packets in the UK warning about the dangers of smoking.

The UK is the first European country to introduce such images, which will include pictures of a tumour, heart surgery and a diseased lung.

The BHF doesn’t steer shy of using shock tactics to get our message across. Our recent chest pains awareness campaign includes violent scenes depicting the symptoms of a heart attack.

Maura Gillespie, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the BHF, said: “We believe the graphic picture warnings on cigarette packets will provide a further incentive for smokers to think again before reaching for their cigarette packets.

“There is evidence that they can help more smokers quit and prevent others from starting in the first place. Our ‘fatty cigarette’ campaign clearly demonstrated the value of hard hitting imagery.”

If you want to give up smoking, help and information is available at http://www.bhf.org.uk/smoking

Listen to our giving up smoking podcast

What you think about using graphic images to encourage people to quit smoking? Post a comment on the blog.

How has your year been?

With the ban on smoking in public places in England one year old today, it's estimated that around 400,000 people have given up cigarettes since the new law came into force.

Are you one of them? Had you already given up as a result of the earlier bans in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland? And if so, how did you manage to quit?

Or are you still trying to kick the habit, but want to know how you could be successful?

Why not share you experiences with us - and everyone else - by posting your comments below.

By the way, if you are still trying to quit, you can find more help at bhf.org.uk/smoking