Towards the end of last month it was announced that the Department of Health was looking at the idea of forcing cigarette manufacturers to make their packets plain with only basic information and health warnings shown.

But would this really help people give up or even start in the first place?

Supporters of the plans say that by removing branding logos, colours and designs make smoking less attractive to younger people, increases the visibility and effectiveness of the health warnings and "reduces mistaken beliefs that some brands are 'safer' than others".

Critics argue that this would be a pointless move as people will smoke regardless of what packet they're in.

Here in the Union Shop we've certainly seen a shift in cigarette sales from more premium brands, such as Marlboro and Benson & Hedges, to cheaper alternatives such as Richmond and Sterling. This has been a change based on price, though, not on packet design.

One product that we've noticed has had a sales uplift due to packet design is Pall Mall when earlier this year Pall Mall Amber, their 'ultra light' variety, changed its colour to hot pink as seen on the right. Instantly we saw an uplift in sales with people commenting that they were buying them simply because of the packet colour.

We saw a similar interest when Silk Cut Superslims were introduced with 20 cigarettes in a box that closer resembles one you'd find a small bottle of perfume in.

Over the last couple of weeks we asked you through our website poll the simple question: will selling cigarettes in plain packets reduce the number of current and future smokers? Here's how 136 of you responded:

• 36 votes, 26.5% - Yes, plain packets and larger health warnings will make smoking less appealing
• 100 votes, 73.5% - No, the plain packets will do little to reduce smoker numbers

Whilst it's obvious that smoking puts people's lives at risk – and not just those of the smokers themselves – and puts a massive strain on the NHS, how should the government look at helping people give up smoking?

How far can taxation go in putting people off? Will the shop cigarette display ban, due to come into effect next year, work either? Perhaps the pictorial health warnings on packets should get tougher?

Feel free to add your views below.

This article first appeared on my work blog at aberguild.co.uk.