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15/09/2004
BMA renews call for NI smoking ban
The British Medical Association (BMA) has today intensified pressure on the government to introduce a ban on smoking in public places in Northern Ireland.
At a conference in Belfast today, Dr Fenton Howell - who spearheaded the smoking ban campaign in the Republic of Ireland - told delegates that smoke-free public places would "save lives".
As evidence of the damaging effects of passive smoking continues to mount, Dr Howell urged healthcare professionals and politicians here to "lobby for the protection of people's health".
Research has found that second hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer by 20-30%, heart disease by 25-35% and 8 out of 10 asthmatics say second-hand smoke can trigger an attack.
Also at the conference, deputy chairman of the BMA's Board of Science, Newry doctor Peter Maguire praised the Northern Ireland Civil Service's announcement of a workplace ban to take effect from January 2005, and said that the introduction of anti-smoking legislation would be the single most effective way of improving the country's health.
Six months after the introduction of the ban in the Republic, sales of cigarettes have slumped, with Gallaher's reporting a significant 7% decrease in sales there.
(mmcg/gmcg)
At a conference in Belfast today, Dr Fenton Howell - who spearheaded the smoking ban campaign in the Republic of Ireland - told delegates that smoke-free public places would "save lives".
As evidence of the damaging effects of passive smoking continues to mount, Dr Howell urged healthcare professionals and politicians here to "lobby for the protection of people's health".
Research has found that second hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer by 20-30%, heart disease by 25-35% and 8 out of 10 asthmatics say second-hand smoke can trigger an attack.
Also at the conference, deputy chairman of the BMA's Board of Science, Newry doctor Peter Maguire praised the Northern Ireland Civil Service's announcement of a workplace ban to take effect from January 2005, and said that the introduction of anti-smoking legislation would be the single most effective way of improving the country's health.
Six months after the introduction of the ban in the Republic, sales of cigarettes have slumped, with Gallaher's reporting a significant 7% decrease in sales there.
(mmcg/gmcg)
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20 February 2004
BMA NI call for smoking ban
The British Medical Association of Northern Ireland (BMA NI) has called on the Government to follow the lead taken by the Irish Republic by banning smoking in enclosed workplaces.
BMA NI call for smoking ban
The British Medical Association of Northern Ireland (BMA NI) has called on the Government to follow the lead taken by the Irish Republic by banning smoking in enclosed workplaces.
30 June 2004
Local doctors sign up to back smoking ban
Four-and-a-half thousand letters from doctors calling for a ban on smoking in public places will soon be delivered to Prime Minister Tony Blair. In the huge postbag sent to the BMA, doctors from all over the UK wrote of their experiences treating patients affected by second-hand smoke.
Local doctors sign up to back smoking ban
Four-and-a-half thousand letters from doctors calling for a ban on smoking in public places will soon be delivered to Prime Minister Tony Blair. In the huge postbag sent to the BMA, doctors from all over the UK wrote of their experiences treating patients affected by second-hand smoke.
17 October 2005
Minister confirms NI smoking ban
Northern Ireland is to get a smoking ban in all workplaces and enclosed spaces, the Government has announced today. Health Minister Shawn Woodward said the decision was made following extensive consultation on the issue but that it would be April 2007 before any new legislation comes into effect in the province.
Minister confirms NI smoking ban
Northern Ireland is to get a smoking ban in all workplaces and enclosed spaces, the Government has announced today. Health Minister Shawn Woodward said the decision was made following extensive consultation on the issue but that it would be April 2007 before any new legislation comes into effect in the province.
13 December 2007
Inspections Enforce Smoking Ban
Seven months after the introduction of the UK-wide smoking ban, a dozen businesses in Belfast have been hit for breaking the law. A recent Belfast City Council pre-Christmas crackdown resulted in council officials inspected more than 450 premises – discovering that smoking laws were still being broken.
Inspections Enforce Smoking Ban
Seven months after the introduction of the UK-wide smoking ban, a dozen businesses in Belfast have been hit for breaking the law. A recent Belfast City Council pre-Christmas crackdown resulted in council officials inspected more than 450 premises – discovering that smoking laws were still being broken.
30 April 2007
Northern Ireland smoking ban comes into effect
Smokers across Northern Ireland are no longer able to light up in enclosed spaces as the ban on smoking has come into force at 6am this morning. The ban in the province will mean it is illegal to smoke in most enclosed public spaces like pubs, restaurants and workplaces, as well as public transport.
Northern Ireland smoking ban comes into effect
Smokers across Northern Ireland are no longer able to light up in enclosed spaces as the ban on smoking has come into force at 6am this morning. The ban in the province will mean it is illegal to smoke in most enclosed public spaces like pubs, restaurants and workplaces, as well as public transport.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
