Pharmacies and other businesses in Bicheno, Swansea and Triabunna have been enlisted to pay smokers to quit smoking under the Tobacco Free Communities pilot project which started 1 May, Brexit News reported.

Smokers participating in the campaign will be given vouchers to spend at local companies if they register to quit smoking for at least three months, according to the report. Smokers taking part in the campaign will have to prove they no longer smoke by passing a regular carbon monoxide breath-test.
In the first month, participants will receive a voucher for each week without smoking, followed by vouchers at the end of the second and third months. The total value of the vouchers is up to AUD 310 (EUR 193).
Dr Mai Frandsen, University of Tasmania senior lecturer will evaluate the results of the project. According to the report, Dr Frandsen said that if an individual receives a short-term reward for changing his or her behaviour, he or she is more probable to carry on with that change.
Craig Lawless, a pharmacist located in Bicheno, commented on the project. “Pharmacies are first points of contact where people can come in and get advice and products, and, if necessary, a referral to a doctor,” said Lawless. “Any way we can improve the health or the finances of the local communities are really, really important.”
Tasmania has the second highest smoking rate in Australia, according to the report.
The Tobacco Free Communities pilot project was funded by an AUD 25,000 (EUR 15,604) Healthy Tasmania Community Innovations Grants from the Tasmanian Government, according to Brexit News.