Pollution control - smoking in enclosed public places
On the 1 July 2007, England introduced a new law to make
virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England
smoke free.
To help businesses comply with the new legislation a toolkit has
been designed and is available at the link below.
For the latest information on smoke free England visit the Smoke
Free England website.
Smoke free signage is available from Environmental Health or can
be downloaded below. The A5 sign is required to be placed in a
prominent position at all entrances or exits of smoke free
premises.
The benefits
The Chief Medical Officer stated in his annual report that
‘clearing the air of second hand smoke in restaurants, bars, and
other enclosed public places would protect the health of workers
and customers in the environments. It would reduce the risks of an
asthma attack in children and adults and lower the chances of
triggering a heart attack in people with heart disease’.
By making workplaces and public places smoke free, they will be
much healthier places for everyone.
Smoke free legislation – it’s a good thing
Smoke free is good for business
- A survey of 97 studies world wide found no negative impact on
the takings of businesses who have gone smoke free
- Irish pub takings rising are not falling
- About 34 million working days were lost to British
industry every year due to smoking related sick leave
- It is estimated that £1.1 million of working time was lost
to Greater Manchester each year that is attributable to hospital
treatment needed by smokers due to smoking
- Smoking cost the Greater Manchester economy nearly £630 millon
every year prior to going smoke free.
Nationally, 75 per cent of the population does not
smoke.
A Smoke Free workplace:
- Reduces tobacco consumption
- Encourages smokers to quit
- Helps ex-smokers stay stopped
- Encourages the young not to start and improves health
Smokefree legislation enforcement
The Greater Manchester Public Protection Partnership has agreed
and signed up to a common enforcement protocol in relation to the
Smokefree legislation. The protocol outlines a common
approach and lays down the principles which will be followed in
deciding upon and taking action. The protocol is available
via the link below and can be made available in paper copy, if
requested.