Government launches 'Space to Breathe' campaign

Health Minister, Paul Goggins is to today launch “Space to Breathe” – the first phase of a public awareness campaign promoting Northern Ireland’s smoke-free legislation.

The legislation will come into effect on April 30 2007 and will mean that smoking will no longer be permitted in enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and work places.

The campaign has been developed by the Health Promotion Agency on behalf of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. It includes:

• A new TV advertisement;
• A new radio advertisement;
• A website – www.spacetobreathe.org.uk;
• A public information leaflet;

Launching the campaign, Mr Paul Goggins said: “Northern Ireland will go smoke-free on 30 April 2007. This legislation is extremely important and will have a positive impact on the health of people across Northern Ireland. It is therefore essential that we all understand our rights and responsibilities.

“The ‘Space to Breathe’ campaign provides a lot of useful information including the effects of second hand smoke, general guidance on the smoke-free legislation and advice on smoking cessation services. I would encourage as many people as possible to familiarise themselves with what this legislation will actually mean in practice. Its successful implementation will require everyone’s co-operation.”

Mr Goggins also promised guidance for the business community. He said: “Prior to the changes coming into effect, a comprehensive guidance pack will be provided to the business community. A team of 10 Environmental Health Officers have already started working with the business sector. They will visit business premises, and provide seminars and other materials to help them comply with the new law.”

The Health Minister concluded: “This is an exciting development in Northern Ireland. The smoke-free legislation will enable people to go about their business and leisure pursuits free from the risk of being exposed to damaging second hand smoke – it will provide ‘Space to Breathe’ for everyone.”

(EF)