North West England wants smoke-free air

80% of North West residents support legislation to ban smoking in public places, with 85% stating they would prefer smoke-free public places, according to the results of the Big Smoke Debate. The results were published by the North West Public Health Group.

It amounted to one of the biggest consultation exercises on a public health issues ever seen in the UK, with over 14,000 people participating.

78% of people wanted cafés, restaurant and offices to be completely smoke free, with less than 6% indicating a preference for smoking throughout pubs and bars.

The Big Smoke Debate results indicate a growing public mood for change, as 80 % of those questioned stating they were bothered by tobacco smoke. 78% want restaurants to be completely smoke-free and 57% wanting bars and pubs to be free of smoke.

At present only a tiny percentage of the North West's pubs and restaurants are smoke-free.

Commenting on the results of the Big Smoke Debate, Regional Tobacco Policy Manager Brenda Fullard said: "The right to enjoy clean air, free of tobacco smoke pollution has been denied to the vast majority of people in this region. Now the Big Smoke Debate has shown the strength of support for smoke free work and public places in the North West. It also shows support for legislation to enforce it. All confirm the strength of opinion for a smoke free society."

The consultation represented views of smokers, ex smokers and those who have never smoked. The results of the survey will be collated along with the other nationwide consultations for the Health Secretary John Reid and the Government to help them take firmer steps towards introducing a smoking ban.

Source: North West Public Health Group, August 11, 2004

Links: www.smokefreenorthwest.co.uk

Centre for Public Health website www.cph.org.ukhttp://www.bigsmokedebate.com/index.html