A major research study has shown huge public demand for smoke-free workplaces.

The Ulster Cancer Foundation carried out the survey to understand the views of employers and employees working in Northern Ireland's top 100 companies, the hospitality sector and shopping centres.

Gerry McElwee, the head of cancer prevention at the foundation, said there is a clear majority of employers and employees who want their workplace to be smoke-free.
"This majority includes smoking employees who are also in favour of such a policy. "The companies that we spoke to who already have implemented a smoke-free policy say that it has brought many benefits and few problems to their business."

The results of the study show that of the top 100 companies in Northern Ireland, 47 per cent were completely smoke-free and that the 52 per cent who had a partial policy would implement a complete smoking ban if there were clear Government policy on the issue.

The study interviewed 171 bar and restaurant staff across the Province, and 76 per cent said that they want to work in a smoke-free environment.

Gerry McElwee said: "Employees in the hospitality sector continue to endure cancer causing substances in the line of duty.

"However, our research shows that there is a huge demand from these people to work in a smoke-free environment.

"The main reason they give for this is their fear of serious health risks.

"Some employers are hesitant to implement a smoke-free policy for fear of alienating customers and staff. This research shows these fears to be
unfounded."

Of the 30 shopping centres throughout Northern Ireland that took part in the study, seven were completely smoke-free, while 12 had a partial smoking ban in place and 11 had no specific policy.

Mr McElwee said: "Smoke-free shopping centres confirmed that their trade had either increased or stayed the same since the introduction of the smoking ban.

"The evidence is clear - passive smoking kills. The Ulster Cancer Foundation has led the campaign for smoke-free environments for 20 years.

"We can not continue to regard smoking as a right, and breathing clean air as a privilege," he said.

Source: News Letter, 6 December 2004

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