| Seven out of ten want smoke-free public places
According to new research commissioned by the Health Promotion
Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA), when asked about their
attitude towards smoking in public places, whether that is
indoors or outdoors, seven out of ten respondents thought
public places should be completely smoke-free.
Even amongst smokers the trend is to prefer a mainly or
completely smoke-free environment. Half of them support a
mainly or completely smoke-free environment in cafes and
more than half in restaurants. Smokers also support a mainly
or completely smoke-free environment in shopping centres
(69%), offices (68%) and hospitals (85%).
The research, which was carried out on over 1,000 respondents,
questioned both smokers and non-smokers about their attitudes
towards smoking in specific public places. The results were
used by the HPA to highlight World No Tobacco Day which falls
on Monday 31 May this year.
Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the
HPA, said: “This
research reveals much about the public’s attitude to
smoking in public places here. For instance, when asked if
they would support a law to make all workplaces smoke-free,
three out of five respondents said they would support it.
“This research suggests people in Northern
Ireland want a smoke-free environment and would prefer
non-smoking
to be the norm. While no such legislation as yet
exists in Northern Ireland we are hopeful that a ban will be introduced on
smoking in all public places and this research would suggest that it would
be welcomed by the majority of people here.”
In Northern Ireland there are almost 3,000 premature deaths from smoking
related diseases each year while inpatient care linked to the habit costs £22
million per year.
Dr Gaffney concluded: “Stopping smoking
is not an easy thing to do. Smokers who are committed to
quitting need
support and advice to do so and there are a number of smoking
cessation services available in Northern Ireland through
Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts and the Ulster
Cancer Foundation. There is also the freephone helpline service:
0800 858585 for smokers who want to kick the habit for good.”
The HPA will continue to monitor attitudes towards smoke-free
environments in Northern Ireland.
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