The tough new anti-smoking laws that went into effect in July seem to have given many people the incentive to kick the habit, as some hospital clinics that help people quit are reporting a brisk business.

Officials at the two clinics in Iraklion, one at University Hospital and the other at Venizelio, say business is busier than normal. The University clinic is near capacity but has several spots open, while Venizelio still has some openings for both day and evening sessions.

The hospital clinics on the mainland, however, indicated there was an even bigger rush of people wanting to quit.

The University Hospital of Larissa, for instance, has no appointments until after September 20. At the Evangelismos Hospital in Athens, appointments are available for mid-August onward.

There is currently less than 40 clinics across Greece that help people quit smoking and it seems that this number will have to increase to satisfy demand. The head of Greece’s Pneumonological Society, Constantinos Gourgoulianis, said there are plans to train more doctors later this year to assist smokers who want to kick the habit.

Meanwhile, local residents seeking help can call the University clinic at 2810-542107-09; or the Venizelio clinic at 2810-368000.