Smokefree legislation comes into force this sunday
Released: 25 June 2007
New legislation which aims to protect people from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke will be introduced in Wolverhampton and across the country this weekend.
From 6am on Sunday 1 July, it will be illegal to smoke in most indoor places other than private homes. This includes restaurants; bars; cafes; hotels; theatres; bingo halls; sports centres; shopping centres; taxis; public transport; schools and hospitals.
Nearly every workplace will be affected and the legislation covers any vehicle capable of being used as a place of work by more than one person.
A number of venues in Wolverhampton have already gone smokefree in advance of the introduction of the new legislation.
Councillor Pat Byrne, Wolverhampton City Council Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “From Sunday virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England will become smokefree by law.
“A lot of work has been undertaken during recent months to support people to be ready for the changes which will create a new experience for customers and staff alike at venues and workplaces across the country.
“Smokefree public places and workplaces will protect everyone from the effects of second-hand smoke when they are working, socialising and relaxing.
“The introduction of smokefree environments recognise a person’s right to be protected from harm, enjoy smokefree air and increase the benefits of smokefree enclosed public places and workplaces for people trying to give up smoking.
“It is estimated that this will save thousands of lives over the next decade by reducing both exposure to hazardous second-hand smoke and overall smoking rates.”
Dr Adrian Phillips, Director of Public Health for Wolverhampton, said: “The main aim of the legislation is to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and is seen as one of the most significant developments in protecting public health for many decades.
“Just because you don’t smoke doesn’t mean that you are not at risk from the effects of tobacco products and second-hand smoke as wherever people smoke, there is second-hand smoke in the air. Second-hand smoke contains 4,000 toxic chemicals and non-smokers who breathe in second-hand smoke are at risk of the same diseases as smokers, including cancer and heart disease.”
Research undertaken has shown that many people are in support of the smokefree legislation.
An Office for National Statistics survey released in July, 2006, found that 91 per cent of people favoured smoking restrictions in restaurants, 86 per cent supported restrictions at work and 65 per cent supported restrictions in pubs. In addition 22 per cent of pub-goers said they would go more often if smoking restrictions were in place.
Research also reveals that many businesses support the law. In a survey of 501 business decision makers in England conducted by Continental Research in August 2006 a total of 91 per cent agreed that people at work have the right not to breathe in other workers’ smoke.
International evidence suggests that popular support will increase even further once smokefree legislation is implemented. In Ireland, the smokefree law was voted the number one ‘high’ of 2004 by the RTE national New Year’s Poll.
For further information on the new smokefree legislation and how it affects Wolverhampton see www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/smokefree or call 01902 551155. Additional information is also available on the Smokefree England information line on 0800 169 1697 or by going to www.smokefreeengland.co.uk.
Wolverhampton City Primary Care Trust offers a range of support, advice and a two-week free supply of nicotine replacement therapy (subject to medical history) to people wanting to stop smoking. Drop-in quit smoking sessions are also held across the city and people can visit the Stop Smoking Shop open Monday to Saturday 10.30am to 3pm in the link shopping mall between the Wulfrun and Mander centres, opposite The Entertainer toy store. For more information, contact Wolverhampton’s stop smoking service on 0800 073 42 42.
Issued by the press office.