From today, virtually all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places
and workplaces are required by law to be smoke-free. The measure has been introduced to protect both employees and the public from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
Speaking at the launch of Smoke-Free Northern Ireland at the King’s Head Bar and Restaurant in Belfast, Mr Goggins said: “I want to place on record my thanks to the very many organisations and individuals who have helped us achieve the goal of a smoke-free Northern Ireland.
“The challenge has been great but I am confident that the results of this huge collective effort will be improved health for us all. Lives will be saved. The effects will continue for generations to come.”
In 2005, 91% of respondents to a major consultation exercise supported the introduction of comprehensive tobacco controls in Northern Ireland. Since then, awareness, support and acceptance of the legislation has been strong.
Paul Goggins commented: “I am delighted and encouraged with the level of support this legislation has received. Its importance has not gone unnoticed. I am grateful that businesses have co-operated with the Smoke-Free Environments Team and taken on their full responsibilities.
“With the continued support of employers and the general public, I am confident that there will be a smooth implementation of the legislation.”
Enforcement of the smoke-free legislation will be carried out by each of the District Council’s Environmental Health Departments.
A compliance line is available from today as a convenient way for the public to report breaches of the smoke-free legislation. The telephone number is 0845 603 2500 (calls will be charged at a local rate). The information reported will be passed to the respective council for further investigation.
Health Minister, Paul Goggins concluded: “Today represents the beginning of a new era in the protection of public health. In years to come, people will be amazed that smoking was once permitted in enclosed workplaces and public places.
“I believe that future generations will applaud the wisdom of the decision to introduce comprehensive controls on where people may smoke and we will look back on this as a landmark day.”
Notes to Editors
- Smoke-free legislation was introduced in the Republic of Ireland from 24 March 2004, in Scotland from 26 March 2006 and in Wales from 2 April this year. It will also be introduced in England from 1 July.
- There is overwhelming public support for comprehensive legislative controls on smoking in Northern Ireland with almost 65,000 (91%) of respondents to a public consultation exercise in favour of such controls. There is also strong trades’ union and cross-party political support for the measures being introduced today.
- Guidance on smoke-free legislation has been produced by the Health Promotion Agency on behalf of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS). Copies were distributed to all employers in Northern Ireland earlier this month.
- Smoke-free legislation will be enforced by district councils’ environmental health officers. A telephone compliance line has been set up to enable the public to report breaches of the legislation. The number is 0845 603 2500. Calls will be charged at a local rate.
- Experience elsewhere suggests that the introduction of comprehensive legislative controls on smoking leads to more people making the quit attempt. Since 1999, DHSSPS has made around £8m available for public information campaigns and the development of smoking cessation services.
- Other initiatives in recent years include the establishment, in January 2003, of a dedicated freephone telephone helpline service (The Smokers Helpline on Tel No: 0800 85 85 85) and the publication, in April 2003, of a Training Framework which set standards for cessation services across the HPSS.
- There are now almost 300 pharmacies across Northern Ireland providing advice and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to smokers wanting to quit. Smokers who want more information about their local community pharmacy cessation service or other services and advice on stopping smoking can contact the Northern Ireland Smokers’ Helpline on 0800 858585.
- More information on the Smoke-Free legislation can be found at www.spacetobreathe.org.uk
For media enquiries contact Jenny Magill at the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 90520575 or 07833 668748 or Martin McDermott on 028 90520636 or 07788 108658.
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