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19/06/2007
On-stage smoking clause rejected
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has withdrawn a clause in the Health Bill which would allow actors to smoke on stage.
Speaking during an Assembly debate on the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, Mr McGimpsey said he had listened carefully to a wide range of options on this issue but felt that performers smoking on stage would undermine the smoke-free legislation.
He told MLA’s: “Smoke-free legislation was introduced with the primary aim of protecting the public health. I sympathise with performers who wish to retain the artistic integrity of their productions. However, I have also had to take into account of the concerns made to me about health professionals and others.
“In my view actual smoking is not essential to protect the integrity of a particular performance. Even if this were the case, I do not believe it outweighs the public health argument. I am therefore minded to bring forward an amendment to the Bill withdrawing Clause 15.”
The smoking ban in Northern Ireland came into effect on April 30, in attempts to reduce the 3,000 deaths that came about in the Province as a result of people breathing in second-hand smoke.
Bans are also operating in the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The smoking ban in England will come into effect on July 1.
(JM/KMcA)
Speaking during an Assembly debate on the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, Mr McGimpsey said he had listened carefully to a wide range of options on this issue but felt that performers smoking on stage would undermine the smoke-free legislation.
He told MLA’s: “Smoke-free legislation was introduced with the primary aim of protecting the public health. I sympathise with performers who wish to retain the artistic integrity of their productions. However, I have also had to take into account of the concerns made to me about health professionals and others.
“In my view actual smoking is not essential to protect the integrity of a particular performance. Even if this were the case, I do not believe it outweighs the public health argument. I am therefore minded to bring forward an amendment to the Bill withdrawing Clause 15.”
The smoking ban in Northern Ireland came into effect on April 30, in attempts to reduce the 3,000 deaths that came about in the Province as a result of people breathing in second-hand smoke.
Bans are also operating in the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The smoking ban in England will come into effect on July 1.
(JM/KMcA)
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