Sydney, Oct 9 Seeing cigarettes for sale weakens the smoker's resolve to quit by prompting him to puff within four hours, says a new research.

Researchers from Macquarie University, led by Suzan Burton, associate professor, examined factors that lead to relapse among smokers, validating beliefs that tobacco displays discourage smokers from quitting.

"Tobacco displays at point of purchase are a key reason that smokers attempting to quit are unsuccessful," Burton said. "Even if the person doesn't actually buy a packet of cigarettes, they are still 25 percent more likely to smoke within any four hour period...."

"Our research also suggests that people who are trying to quit are particularly likely to be influenced to smoke and to buy cigarettes after seeing them displayed within the first month of quitting," Burton added.

"It is well known that supermarkets are the most common place for people to buy cigarettes. However, people who are trying to quit smoking and lighter smokers are more likely than regular smokers to buy cigarettes while out in pubs and clubs." observed Burton.

"This is due to the fact that they can see the cigarettes for sale, see other people smoking and are usually drinking alcohol - factors that combine to create a very challenging situation for a recent quitter."

"The evidence is clear - removing tobacco displays is a key priority for tobacco control," concluded Burton, according to a Macquarie release.

These findings were presented on Friday at the Oceania Tobacco Control Conference, Darwin. (IANS)