Menu
09/03/2005
Majority support for smoking ban - NICHSA
A leading health charity says the Government will be flying in the face of public opinion if it fails to ban smoking in public buildings after its consultation exercise on the subject.
The Department of Health is currently asking for submissions on three options – a voluntary introduction of smoke-free workplaces; a halt to smoking in most public buildings, but with some pubs and clubs excepted; or a complete ban in all workplaces, including pubs and restaurants.
Speaking on No Smoking Day, Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Association (NICHSA) Chief Executive Andrew Dougal said: “The consultation ends on the 25th of March, but we already know what the public would prefer. We have been inundated with calls asking for advice on how to take part in the consultation, and a MORI poll indicates that two thirds of the public would be in favour of a ban.”
The charity is also using National No Smoking Day on Wednesday to distribute postcards allowing people to make their views known.
“We expect to have thousands of people writing to the Department of Health in the next couple of weeks,” said Mr Dougal. “People want to be able to work in an atmosphere free of tobacco smoke, and it’s up to the Department to accede to that wish.”
MORI’s poll on the subject asked 1,029 people over the age of 16 for their views on the subject. It found that 69% of respondents were in favour of an outright ban. This figure rises to 80% among professionals and managers.
(MB)
The Department of Health is currently asking for submissions on three options – a voluntary introduction of smoke-free workplaces; a halt to smoking in most public buildings, but with some pubs and clubs excepted; or a complete ban in all workplaces, including pubs and restaurants.
Speaking on No Smoking Day, Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Association (NICHSA) Chief Executive Andrew Dougal said: “The consultation ends on the 25th of March, but we already know what the public would prefer. We have been inundated with calls asking for advice on how to take part in the consultation, and a MORI poll indicates that two thirds of the public would be in favour of a ban.”
The charity is also using National No Smoking Day on Wednesday to distribute postcards allowing people to make their views known.
“We expect to have thousands of people writing to the Department of Health in the next couple of weeks,” said Mr Dougal. “People want to be able to work in an atmosphere free of tobacco smoke, and it’s up to the Department to accede to that wish.”
MORI’s poll on the subject asked 1,029 people over the age of 16 for their views on the subject. It found that 69% of respondents were in favour of an outright ban. This figure rises to 80% among professionals and managers.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 November 2011
No Smoking Day Details Outlined
A conference has heard that smokers across Northern Ireland are to be again urged to break free from their smoking habit. That was the challenge set this week by the No Smoking Day team and the Ulster Cancer Foundation at a regional conference to brief health professionals in preparation for No Smoking Day – Wednesday 14th March 2012.
No Smoking Day Details Outlined
A conference has heard that smokers across Northern Ireland are to be again urged to break free from their smoking habit. That was the challenge set this week by the No Smoking Day team and the Ulster Cancer Foundation at a regional conference to brief health professionals in preparation for No Smoking Day – Wednesday 14th March 2012.
28 June 2005
Government announces smoking ban plans
The Government has today confirmed plans to introduce a partial smoking ban in Northern Ireland. However, Health Minister Shaun Woodward said it would be another few months before he decided whether to bring in a blanket ban on smoking in all public enclosed places.
Government announces smoking ban plans
The Government has today confirmed plans to introduce a partial smoking ban in Northern Ireland. However, Health Minister Shaun Woodward said it would be another few months before he decided whether to bring in a blanket ban on smoking in all public enclosed places.
19 June 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.
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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
