Pity the postman as campaign hits 12,000 mark!

September 7, 2005 - PRESS RELEASE FROM SMOKEFREE LIVERPOOL

More than 12,000 people have signed up to a Liverpool-wide postcard campaign which aims to get the Government to change its proposals on smokefree legislation.

The postcards have been forwarded to the Health Secretary, Patricia Hewitt in time for the closure of the Government's consultation period on September 5. One of the best ways to show support, each one carries the message that the majority of people in Liverpool support the implementation of completely 100% smokefree legislation for workplaces across the city.

Running for four weeks, the campaign sought public support at venues across the city, including Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the Merseyfest festival, St Johns shopping centre, as well as various public buildings and street venues.

The aim of the campaign is to lobby Government - who are currently seeking views on proposed smokefree legislation - to improve upon their proposals. SmokeFree Liverpool believes the plans fall far short of what is required to adequately protect the health of all workers.

The Government's proposals would see restrictions on smoking in the workplace; however, they would exempt certain venues such as those bars and pubs that do not serve food and some private members' clubs.

This would result in thousands of bar staff remaining at risk from the dangers of second hand tobacco smoke while at work. In Liverpool alone, up to 100 people die every year as a direct result of second hand tobacco smoke, with bar workers most at risk.

Commenting on the success of the campaign, SmokeFree Programme Director, Andrea Crossfield, said: "The Positively 100% SmokeFree postcard campaign has been an overwhelming success."

"The sheer number of postcards and the feedback that our campaigners have received over the last few weeks pays testament to the resolve of the people of Liverpool. Through this campaign we intend to challenge the Government to bring their current proposals forward to include all workplaces and protect thousands of people across the city."

Chair of Central Liverpool PCT and Joint Chair of the SmokeFree Liverpool Stakeholder Group, Gideon Ben-Tovim, said: "We have known for a long time that support for 100% smokefree workplaces was very high in Liverpool, however the success of this campaign has taken everyone by surprise. The onus is on the Government now to take notice and we actively encourage them to do so."