Prisons trial carrots as alternative to cigarettes

Prison inmates who are hooked on cigarettes are going to be offered carrots as an alternative to help them break the tobacco habit. File photo / NZ Herald

Prison inmates are being given carrots as an alternative to cigarettes to help them break the tobacco habit.

The scheme is being trialled ahead of the ban on smoking to be introduced in New Zealand jails from July 1, The Southland Times reported.

Corrections Association of New Zealand president Beven Hanlon said when he first heard about giving prisoners carrot sticks as a replacement for cigarettes he thought it was a joke.

"I don't think it is one of [the Department of Corrections'] best ideas but it is worth a try," he said.

The reasoning behind carrot sticks was they were healthier than other options, such as hard lollies, and should take the prisoners' minds off smoking.

"It's the whole oral thing...if they have got something in their mouth, they won't be looking for a cigarette to put in it."

- NZPA