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28/06/2005
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.
"The remaining few months will be about whether it is a total ban or a partial ban," he said on Tuesday.
The Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke Association said today was a defining day for the health of the people of Northern Ireland.
Welcoming the Minister’s statement, Chief Executive, Andrew Dougal, said: “A clear and resounding message has been given to our new Health Minister to ensure that the people here are able to live and to work in smoke-free environments.”
Northern Ireland’s largest business organisation, the Federation of Small Businesses also welcomed the news but warned the Health Minister that he must get his decision right, on whether the ban will be total or not.
FSB spokesperson on Health & Safety, Harry McGimpsey, said: “Too many people die of cancer as a result of smoking in Northern Ireland for the Government to duck this issue. They must get it right.”
However, not everyone was happy with today’s announcement. Cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Relief criticised Mr Woodward for delaying a decision on banning smoking in public places until the autumn.
“Following the overwhelming response to the government's consultation, in which an incredible 91% of people were reportedly in favour of a ban, the minister holds an enviably strong public mandate to move ahead with comprehensive legislation,” Heather Monteverde of Macmillan in Northern Ireland said.
"For him to instead decide to delay a decision risks seeing Northern Ireland's health record fall behind those of our neighbours in the Republic and Scotland."
Former Stormont Health Minister, Bairbre de Brún also expressed her disappointment at the delayed decision.
“I fail to understand why Mr Woodward has taken the opportunity to make a key note speech concerning a smoking ban, if he is delaying the decision until he receives further information,” the Sinn Fein MEP said. “This research should have been conducted and fully concluded before this announcement.”
Figures released in the Republic of Ireland recently, marking the first anniversary of a smoking ban on all public places in the south, revealed that more than 7,000 smokers had kicked the habit since the ban was introduced.
However, while supporters of the ban said it had brought many health benefits, critics say more people are drinking and smoking at home while many publicans say they have lost considerable trade.
(MB/SP)
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.
"The remaining few months will be about whether it is a total ban or a partial ban," he said on Tuesday.
The Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke Association said today was a defining day for the health of the people of Northern Ireland.
Welcoming the Minister’s statement, Chief Executive, Andrew Dougal, said: “A clear and resounding message has been given to our new Health Minister to ensure that the people here are able to live and to work in smoke-free environments.”
Northern Ireland’s largest business organisation, the Federation of Small Businesses also welcomed the news but warned the Health Minister that he must get his decision right, on whether the ban will be total or not.
FSB spokesperson on Health & Safety, Harry McGimpsey, said: “Too many people die of cancer as a result of smoking in Northern Ireland for the Government to duck this issue. They must get it right.”
However, not everyone was happy with today’s announcement. Cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Relief criticised Mr Woodward for delaying a decision on banning smoking in public places until the autumn.
“Following the overwhelming response to the government's consultation, in which an incredible 91% of people were reportedly in favour of a ban, the minister holds an enviably strong public mandate to move ahead with comprehensive legislation,” Heather Monteverde of Macmillan in Northern Ireland said.
"For him to instead decide to delay a decision risks seeing Northern Ireland's health record fall behind those of our neighbours in the Republic and Scotland."
Former Stormont Health Minister, Bairbre de Brún also expressed her disappointment at the delayed decision.
“I fail to understand why Mr Woodward has taken the opportunity to make a key note speech concerning a smoking ban, if he is delaying the decision until he receives further information,” the Sinn Fein MEP said. “This research should have been conducted and fully concluded before this announcement.”
Figures released in the Republic of Ireland recently, marking the first anniversary of a smoking ban on all public places in the south, revealed that more than 7,000 smokers had kicked the habit since the ban was introduced.
However, while supporters of the ban said it had brought many health benefits, critics say more people are drinking and smoking at home while many publicans say they have lost considerable trade.
(MB/SP)
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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.
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.
02 April 2007
NI goes smoke-free this month
On the day Wales goes smoke-free, Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride has welcomed the province's forthcoming ban. “It is now only 28 days until Northern Ireland goes smoke-free. This is such an exciting time for public health right across these islands,” he said.
NI goes smoke-free this month
On the day Wales goes smoke-free, Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride has welcomed the province's forthcoming ban. “It is now only 28 days until Northern Ireland goes smoke-free. This is such an exciting time for public health right across these islands,” he said.
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 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.
