Cigarette drink to beat smoking bans

A drink is being launched in Britain which apparently delivers the same fix as a cigarette.

The drink 'Liquid Smoking' aims to help smokers beat the cigarette ban in pubs and has already been a success in the Netherlands where it has been on sale for a year.

The Dutch suppliers hope the drink will be on sale in Britain in time for Christmas and say it does not contain the drug nicotine, but rather a mix of roots from South African plants which is said to give "a slight energising effect, followed by a euphoric sense of calming and relaxation."

With less than 21 calories per 275ml can and a cost of £1.50 it aims to take the edge off the craving for nicotine for between one to four hours - though anyone will be able to buy it the manufacturers say it should not be drunk by anyone under 15.

United Drinks says Liquid Smoking, a fruit-flavoured herbal drink, has similar properties to nicotine and will help people who feel the need for nicotine in bars, restaurants, long-haul flights and on the train.

Anti-smoking groups however are concerned and say such products are unregulated with only the manufacturer's word about their contents.

The packaging has also been criticised for resembling a pack of cigarettes, which could further encourage smoking.