Tobacco-free society is ultimate aim - McGimpsey

On the first anniversary of the smoke-free legislation, the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey is still looking towards the ultimate aim of a tobacco-free society.

The Minister was speaking as he visited staff at the King's Head Bar and Restaurant in Belfast, the venue where the legislation was launched last year, to hear their experiences of a smoke-free workplace.

The Minister said: “One year ago today, smoke-free legislation was launched in Northern Ireland. It means that we now enjoy a much healthier and comfortable environment when out socialising with friends and family. Importantly, it also provides employees with protection from second hand smoke as they go about their business.

“Evidence from elsewhere has shown that air quality in public bars has improved dramatically. In Scotland for example, their provisional research shows an 86% reduction in bar workers’ exposure to second hand smoke. My Department has commissioned similar research and I expect that we will experience the same positive results here.”

Research commissioned by the Department will be a full year evaluation of the impact of the smoke-free legislation and will be published later in 2008.

Looking at the overall impact of tobacco on society, the Minister continued: “Our smoke-free legislation has been an extremely positive public health measure that is protecting many of us, but the harmful impact on smoking in Northern Ireland is still very real. Too many people are dying prematurely every year.

“My aim is still to create a tobacco-free society and prevention is most certainly the key, particularly amongst our children and young people. Our smoke-free legislation will mean that children will now grow up in a society, free of being bombarded with people smoking around them in enclosed public places, making it less likely for them to take up the habit. Education and public information campaigns on the dangers of smoking will also continue.”

The Minister continued: “My Department will also continue to help smokers who want to quit. That is why I have made almost £9million available over the next 3 years for tobacco control initiatives, including major information campaigns and smoking cessation services. This will mean that many more smokers will have direct access to Nicotine Replacement Therapy through pharmacy based cessation services in the hope that they can give up for good.”

There are now over 300 community pharmacies throughout Northern Ireland providing Nicotine Replacement Therapy and support services. All pharmacy-based services are registered with ‘The NI Smokers Helpline’ - 0800 858 585 or by visiting the want to stop website.

Michael McGimpsey concluded: “I am delighted that our first year of being smoke-free has gone so well and I thank everyone for their co-operation over the past year and in the future. Our compliance rate is high and I am sure it will remain high, however there is no room for complacency. We must now maintain our smoke-free environment and our local councils will continue to work to secure compliance.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Cessation figures of 19,662 for 2007/08 are provisional.
2. The Department’s Five Year Tobacco Action Plan was launched in 2003. It identifies 3 key target groups, young people, disadvantaged adults and pregnant women. In addition to protecting the public from tobacco smoke, addresses issues such as changing the public’s perception of tobacco use, prevention and helping smokers to quit.
3. Northern Ireland’s smoke-free legislation was launched 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.
4. Enforcement of the smoke-free legislation is the responsibility of local councils, through their Environmental Health Departments.
5. 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.
6. Enquiries on enforcement should be directed to Tom Crossan, Principal Environmental Health Officer of Belfast City Council on 028 9032 0202 Ext 3276