Call for smoke-free district

South Warwickshire would be a smoke-free zone within two years if the local council has its way. Stratford-on-Avon District Council is calling for legislation to make all public places and workplaces smoke-free in a bid to save over 270 lives in the district each year.

The council has responded to government consultation on the Health Improvement and Protection Bill, after scooping National Clean Air Awards for its headquarters and area offices. It has also helped 30 other workplaces across the district achieve clean air status, including schools, care homes, pubs, GP surgeries, the local YHA and Marks and Spencer.

"We now have a duty to improve and protect public health, so anything that tackles smoking is going to benefit everyone," said Cllr Hazel Wright, the portfolio holder for social inclusion.

"Figures suggest that almost a quarter of the residents in the Stratford District smoke, which is over 26,000 smokers, and as a result it is estimated that 272 people die each year from being exposed to second-hand smoke.

"People working in the hospitality industry, such as pubs and restaurants, are particularly at risk, so we are looking for a comprehensive smoke-free law to be in place by spring/summer 2007.

"The legislation needs to be clear and easy to enforce with no exemptions (other than residential premises) so that workers are protected from second hand smoke.

"We will also be pushing for appropriate penalties for breaching the regulations to reflect the serious threat to health."

Smoke-free workplaces can encourage many smokers to kick the habit for good. The district council is working in partnership with other organisations to help smokers quit for the benefit of their own health and their family's.

Anyone interested in free local help should phone the NHS smoking Helpline 0800 169 0169.

If you are interested in applying for a NCCA for your workplace please contact Warwickshire Tobacco team 0800 085 2917.