'Liquid cigarettes' to be launched

A soft drink claiming to offer the same fix as a cigarette is to launch in the UK. Cans of Liquid Smoking, which look strikingly similar to red and white cigarette cartons, offer smokers an alternative to shivering outside bars and restaurants.

"We've got a product that has the same effects as nicotine, but which you can drink in restaurants and on flights," said Martin Hartman of the United Drink and Beauty Corporation.

However, anti-smoking groups are concerned the product, which contains 15 per cent niacin, may promote smoking. "Our concern would be if the packaging led to the promotion of cigarettes," said Deborah Arnott of Action on Smoking and Health.