McGimpsey celebrates smoke-free anniversary

The high level of compliance (97%) across Northern Ireland is a sure sign of the support for the smoke-free legislation.

That was the message from Health Minister Michael McGimpsey as he celebrated the fact that the majority of enclosed work and public places have enjoyed a healthier, smoke-free environment for a year.

Key provisional compliance figures, up to the end of March, are:

• A no smoking compliance rate of 97%;
• 94% of premises complying with the signage requirements;
• 132 fixed penalty notices issued;
• 1,478 written warnings issued;
• A total of 36,240 premises inspected.

The Minister said: “It is no understatement to say that this legislation has been a major milestone for public health. The benefits are quite clear. When at work and out socialising, we are no longer exposed to toxic second hand smoke - smoke that contains over 4,000 chemicals, many of which cause cancer, from which we previously had little or no protection.

“One year into our smoke-free legislation, it is now incredibly difficult to imagine it being any other way. We do not want to breathe in other people’s smoke and I am delighted that for everyone in Northern Ireland, and for the generations to come, the smoke-free environment will be the norm.

“I want to thank the general public and businesses alike for embracing this legislation. Support is clearly high and I am sure will remain so in the years to come.”

Turning to the enforcement of the legislation the Minister said: “Our local councils have done an excellent job through the introduction and enforcement of the legislation. I know that a lot of support has been provided to businesses and that support will of course continue.”

Sam Knox, Chair of the Environment Health Officer’s Group (CEHOG) said: "In the 12 months since the new legislation came into force Environmental Health departments have worked to secure compliance with the smoke-free law. We would like to congratulate the public and businesses for their help and commitment in making this a success. However it would be wrong to be complacent and we need to continue this work to ensure lasting improvements to our health."

As part of the monitoring and evaluation of the smoke-free legislation the department has commissioned a series of research projects including changes in children’s exposure to second hand smoke as well as the impact of the legislation on air quality in public bars and the effect on bar workers.

The research will look at the impact of the first year of the legislation and will be published later in 2008.

The Minister concluded: “Too many people are dying prematurely in Northern Ireland due to smoking related illnesses. It also remains the principal cause of health inequality here. I am however hopeful that the smoke-free legislation, coupled with the fact that more smokers than ever are deciding to quit the habit, will go some way towards my aim of a smoke-free society.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Northern Ireland’s smoke-free legislation was introduced on 30 April 2007. It meant that it was against the law to smoke in most enclosed work and public places and certain vehicles, such as buses, taxis and shared work vehicles. The measure was introduced to protect both the public and employees from the harmful effects of second hand smoke.
2. The compliance figures are provisional figures up to the 31 March 2008, and may be subject to revision.
3. The Minister will be available for interview and photo opportunities at 11.30 on Wednesday 30 April at the Kings Head Bar and Restaurant, 829 Lisburn Road, Belfast, the venue where the smoke free legislation was launched on 30 April last year.
4. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575 or 07833 668748. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
5. Enquiries on enforcement should be directed to Tom Crossan, Principal Environmental Health Officer of Belfast City Council on 028 9032 0202 Ext 3276 who will act as spokesperson for CEHOG.