A smoking ban is to be implemented in all
Shaun Woodward made the announcement in
It will be April 2007 before the new legislation comes into effect in
The
The minister told an audience which included health professionals and members of the licensed trade in the city's Waterfront Hall: "I do not want to stop those who want to go on smoking from doing so.
"That's your choice. You have every right to lead your life as you choose.
"But no-one has a right to subject colleagues and workmates to the dangers and hazards of second-hand smoke and passive smoking.
"No-one has a right to subject members of the public who do not smoke to those same dangers in enclosed public spaces.
Mr Woodward - himself an ex-smoker - recently visited
Over the summer, he revealed the results of a public consultation in
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/4346802.stm
Opinions
What are the arguments?
For: Supporters of a ban say that evidence about the risks of passive smoking is too compelling to ignore. Some of the arguments they put forward are listed below.
- Passive smoking is dangerous: Second-hand smoking in the workplace causes about 700 deaths each year, according to research from Imperial College.
- A majority of people favour a smoking ban: A smoking ban in workplaces including pubs and bars is supported by a majority of people, according to a poll for the BBC in August 2004.
- A ban would encourage more smokers to quit: A poll by Mintel in May 2004 found that 15 percent of smokers said they would quit smoking if a ban was introduced.
- The "voluntary approach" has failed: The Wanless report on public health said the voluntary approach to smoking in the workplace had only limited success - pubs and bars still allow smoking.
- People have a right to protect themselves from smoke inhalation:The British Medical Association argues that 70% of the population are currently denied the freedom to go about their lives in a smoke-free environment.
The announcement comes as medical researchers stated that a smoking ban in the
Health groups have welcomed the decision, and the British Medical Association's Dr Peter Maguire said the government had "listened to the people".
Against: Opponents of a smoking ban say that freedom of choice would be affected. Some of the arguments they put forward are listed below.
- People want restrictions not a ban: A Populus poll in May 2004 indicated that people would like to see restrictions on smoking rather than an outright ban.
- People should have freedom of choice: The smokers’ lobby group,
- Smoking bans damage business: A smoking ban could lead to a significant fall in takings from bars, restaurants and casinos. Licensed Victuallers Wales says the ban could lead to the closure of more than a quarter of pubs in Wales.
- The link between passive smoking and ill health is unproven:
- Self regulation is the solution: Left to market forces, pubs, bars and restaurants will introduce smoke-free areas and better ventilation tailored to customers’ needs, says Forest in a statement on the issue.
The Tobacco Manufacturers' Association (TMA) said they were disappointed at the move. Tim Lord, chief executive of the TMA, said Mr Woodward had "chosen to ignore the wishes of the majority".
"Government data (ONS) shows that in the
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/actionnetwork/A2702143
Plans in the rest of the
The government has announced that it will ban smoking in workplaces, cafes, and pubs and bars which serve food in
The Scottish Parliament has already voted to introduce a smoking ban in public places from April 2006.
A committee of AMs has recommended that a smoking ban be put in place throughout
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/4350562.stm
Response to Ban in
New research commissioned by the Department of Health indicates there is overwhelming support for the smoking ban.
The survey by Lansdowne Market Research suggests that 82% of the population support the measure. The republic's new law has even proven popular with smokers: 83% of Irish smokers say the law was a "good" or "very good" thing, the study says.
The anti-smoking lobby group ASH says that four months after its introduction, there is no indication that people are staying away from bars and restaurants.
A significant number of people surveyed said the ban had improved their experience in pubs and restaurants, with 53% of the population saying they would now be more likely to eat in a pub since 29 March. In fact, the number of non-smoking bar workers with respiratory problems, such as coughs, has fallen 17%, according to a study published online Monday in BMJ, formerly the British Medical Journal.
There has been a 16% drop in tabacco sales in the first half of the year - which suggests smokers are either cutting back or quitting.
Nearly half of Irish smokers say the ban has made them more likely to quit, according to the Tobacco Control article. Among Irish smokers who have quit, 80% said the law helped them give up smoking, and 88% say the ban helped them remain smoke-free.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0811/smoking.html
Another new study, published in the journal Tobacco Control, finds that air is cleaner today because of the ban.
The ban is not universally popular, however. The Vintners Federation of Ireland, which represents rural pubs, says the ban has led to declining sales and has cost some bar workers their jobs.
In a statement issued in March on the first anniversary of the ban, the organization said that 26 pubs had closed in
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2005-10-17-ireland-smoke_x.htm
What can I do now?
Whether you support or oppose a ban on smoking in public places, there are a number of steps you can take to find out more and make your voice heard.
Talk to the relevant organisations
- Forest, which protects the interests and rights of smokers, says that a smoking ban restricts choice. It questions the link between passive smoking and illness in non-smokers.
- Action for Smoking and Health (Ash), a charity which campaigns for a full ban on smoking in public places, believes smoking is dangerous to health. Read its full briefing on the issue. It believes government measures do not go far enough.
- The Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association claims that people want a choice between smoking and non-smoking places. It has launched a website, ‘What the people really think about public smoking’
- The British Medical Association claims that 1,000 people die each year as a result of passive smoking. Read its report on the myths and facts of smoking. It would like to see a complete ban on smoking in public places
- The hospitality industry, which includes Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers and the The British Beer and Pub Association, doesn’t want legislation, arguing the industry knows what the public wants and can self-regulate. Many organisations have signed up to a smoking charter.
- Cancer Research UK says a ban on public smoking would safeguard employees from passive smoking and encourage others to quit. Read its position on smoking in public places.
