Sales of smoking cessation products soar in Spain

Sales of smoking cessation products have soared in Spain since a tough anti-tobacco law took effect last month.

Sales of the products jumped 599 percent in January from December, said the Federation of Pharmaceutical Distributors (Fedifar).

The most popular item being sold was the electric cigarette, sales of which rose 806 percent in the month.

Meanwhile, sales of other tobacco substitutes, such as nicotine gum and patches, rose by almost 40 percent. At the same time, the sale of prescription drugs to help stop smoking rose 145.6 percent.

Spain introduced a ban on smoking on Jan.2 that is believed to be one of Europe's toughest. The measure prohibits smoking in all closed public spaces as well in as open spaces like children's play areas and outside hospitals. Fines for breaking the law could be up to 600,000 euros (800,000 U.S.dollars).

Source: Xinhua