Menu
28/07/2004
Health report adds weight to smoking ban demands
Concerns that a ban on smoking in public places would disastrously affect the leisure industry have been dismissed by the Chief Medical Officer as "unfounded", in his annual report published today.
Sir Liam Donaldson said that a "major plank" of the argument against smoke-free public places and workplaces had been "removed" by the study.
A formal economic analysis commissioned for the report found that concern about falling profits was "unfounded". Research indicated that a smoking ban would in fact boost business for the hospitality industry, rather than harm it.
In his report, Sir Liam said: "In other parts of the world where legislation to create smoke-free public places and workplaces has been introduced, profits in the hospitality and leisure industries actually rise.
"A major plank in the argument against smoke-free public places and workplaces is thus removed. The only remaining reason not to do it in the face of majority public opinion in favour is on grounds of defending the smoker's rights, but as one young woman bar worker in San Francisco put it to me rather pithily: 'Your freedom ends where my nose starts'."
In preparing his report, Sir Liam visited 'smoke-free' cities in Ireland, as well as California and New York City, and found bars and restaurants "thronging with people".
The BMA welcomed the CMO's findings, adding that the government now had no excuse for not pushing ahead with a smoking ban.
The Deputy Chair of the BMA's Board of Science, Dr Peter Maguire, said: "The BMA has been calling for a ban on smoking in enclosed public places since 1988 because we know that passive smoking kills. One of the arguments used against a ban has been the economic one but the CMO report knocks that on the head.
"This is no surprise to me. I have seen smoke-free pubs and restaurants in Ireland thronging with crowds of people. Business is booming in smoke-free Ireland AND lives are being saved."
He added: "The government really has no excuse, it's time for Ministers to show leadership and follow the examples of Ireland, Norway and New York and go smoke-free."
The BMA also welcomed the CMO's acknowledgement of the importance of academic medicine.
Professor Peter Dangerfield, Deputy Chairman of the BMA's Medical Academic Staff Committee, said: "Medical schools need high calibre teachers to deliver the doctors of the future, but, staffing levels are falling at a worrying rate. It is vital for the NHS that we make careers in education and research more attractive to young doctors."
Sir Liam's third annual report provides an assessment of a number of issues where he believes significant improvements in health can be achieved by sustained action.
The report also examined:
Chief Medical Officer's have been taking stock of the nation's health and highlighting major challenges since 1858.
(gmcg)
Sir Liam Donaldson said that a "major plank" of the argument against smoke-free public places and workplaces had been "removed" by the study.
A formal economic analysis commissioned for the report found that concern about falling profits was "unfounded". Research indicated that a smoking ban would in fact boost business for the hospitality industry, rather than harm it.
In his report, Sir Liam said: "In other parts of the world where legislation to create smoke-free public places and workplaces has been introduced, profits in the hospitality and leisure industries actually rise.
"A major plank in the argument against smoke-free public places and workplaces is thus removed. The only remaining reason not to do it in the face of majority public opinion in favour is on grounds of defending the smoker's rights, but as one young woman bar worker in San Francisco put it to me rather pithily: 'Your freedom ends where my nose starts'."
In preparing his report, Sir Liam visited 'smoke-free' cities in Ireland, as well as California and New York City, and found bars and restaurants "thronging with people".
The BMA welcomed the CMO's findings, adding that the government now had no excuse for not pushing ahead with a smoking ban.
The Deputy Chair of the BMA's Board of Science, Dr Peter Maguire, said: "The BMA has been calling for a ban on smoking in enclosed public places since 1988 because we know that passive smoking kills. One of the arguments used against a ban has been the economic one but the CMO report knocks that on the head.
"This is no surprise to me. I have seen smoke-free pubs and restaurants in Ireland thronging with crowds of people. Business is booming in smoke-free Ireland AND lives are being saved."
He added: "The government really has no excuse, it's time for Ministers to show leadership and follow the examples of Ireland, Norway and New York and go smoke-free."
The BMA also welcomed the CMO's acknowledgement of the importance of academic medicine.
Professor Peter Dangerfield, Deputy Chairman of the BMA's Medical Academic Staff Committee, said: "Medical schools need high calibre teachers to deliver the doctors of the future, but, staffing levels are falling at a worrying rate. It is vital for the NHS that we make careers in education and research more attractive to young doctors."
Sir Liam's third annual report provides an assessment of a number of issues where he believes significant improvements in health can be achieved by sustained action.
The report also examined:
- the dangers of smoking and skin ageing - a mix of wrinkles, damaged blood vessels and bad skin colouring known as "smoker's face"
- better blood transfusion - making the process safer and more focussed
- more focus on academic medicine - the need to take advantage of increased government investment in research and development
- earlier detection of HIV infection - a third of those infected are unaware of their infection and cases have increased by 126% since 1996
Chief Medical Officer's have been taking stock of the nation's health and highlighting major challenges since 1858.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 April 2014
Wales Could Restrict The Use Of E-Cigarettes In Public Places
New measures to address some of Wales' major public health challenges, including high levels of drinking and smoking, are being put forward by the Welsh Government today.
Wales Could Restrict The Use Of E-Cigarettes In Public Places
New measures to address some of Wales' major public health challenges, including high levels of drinking and smoking, are being put forward by the Welsh Government today.
27 October 2005
Government to introduce partial smoking ban
The government has announced plans to introduce a partial smoking ban, following reports of a Cabinet row over the proposals. The plans, introduced as part of the Health Improvement Bill, will see smoking banned in all public places in England, but there will be exemptions for pubs, which do not serve food and private members clubs.
Government to introduce partial smoking ban
The government has announced plans to introduce a partial smoking ban, following reports of a Cabinet row over the proposals. The plans, introduced as part of the Health Improvement Bill, will see smoking banned in all public places in England, but there will be exemptions for pubs, which do not serve food and private members clubs.
30 June 2004
BMA urges Prime Minister to ban smoking in public places
The British Medical Association (BMA) has called for all Britain's workplaces to become smokefree at the organisation's annual conference in Wales today. The BMA said that it will be sending 4,500 letters, written by doctors demanding a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places, to the Prime Minister next week.
BMA urges Prime Minister to ban smoking in public places
The British Medical Association (BMA) has called for all Britain's workplaces to become smokefree at the organisation's annual conference in Wales today. The BMA said that it will be sending 4,500 letters, written by doctors demanding a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places, to the Prime Minister next week.
01 December 2006
England smoking ban to begin on July 1
The ban on smoking in public places and workplaces in England will come into effect from July 1, the government has announced. The ban, which will affect virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces, will come into effect from 6am.
England smoking ban to begin on July 1
The ban on smoking in public places and workplaces in England will come into effect from July 1, the government has announced. The ban, which will affect virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces, will come into effect from 6am.
22 August 2005
Survey reveals public support smoking ban
The majority of people in England and Wales would support a total ban on smoking in the workplace, a survey has claimed. The poll of 1,000 people, conducted by BMRB on behalf of anti-smoking lobby ASH and Cancer Research UK, found that 73% of those polled supported banning smoking in all workplaces, including pubs and restaurants.
Survey reveals public support smoking ban
The majority of people in England and Wales would support a total ban on smoking in the workplace, a survey has claimed. The poll of 1,000 people, conducted by BMRB on behalf of anti-smoking lobby ASH and Cancer Research UK, found that 73% of those polled supported banning smoking in all workplaces, including pubs and restaurants.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
