<p>Tobacco-related diseases are a major threat to public health in the UK. High levels of morbidity and mortality for users of tobacco and those exposed to tobacco smoke are associated with such diseases. This article outlines a socioeconomic overview of tobacco use in the UK and the associated risk factors. A summary of brief interventions is presented, which has the potential to form the core elements of a community-based smoking cessation initiative and reduce the threat of tobacco-related diseases to public health.</p>