Liverpool's plea to Government over smoking

June 20, 2005 - PRESS RELEASE FROM SMOKEFREE LIVERPOOL

Smokefree campaigners are today asking the Government to 'listen to the people of Liverpool' about its plans to restrict smoking in workplaces.

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt is launching a consultation process around the Government's plans to introduce restrictions in workplaces within three years.

But SmokeFree Liverpool will be mounting a major campaign during the three-month consultation, to try to persuade Ms Hewitt that the current proposals don't go far enough.

The proposals would allow smoking to continue in 'wet' pubs - those which don't serve food - and private members' clubs.

SmokeFree Liverpool and the City Council believe this stance is illogical, and would only enhance health inequalities in the city, with many pubs in the most deprived areas being exempt from restrictions.

They will continue to promote their 'Liverpool Smokefree Bill', which is going through parliament, and would give the city the power to stop smoking in all enclosed workplaces.

"We are simply saying to the Government - think again about your proposed legislation.

"We are delighted that you see the need to restrict smoking in workplaces - but dismayed that the proposals may allow exemptions," said Andy Hull, Chair of SmokeFree Liverpool.

The campaigning group will lobby MPs and discuss the issue with the Health Secretary, as well as harnessing support from the people of Liverpool to back up its Bill.

"At the moment, more than 70% of people in Liverpool agree with our proposals: that's more than a quarter of a million Liverpudlians, whose voices should not be ignored.

"What we will be doing over the consultation period is making their voices heard, and pressing hard for the Government to change its mind, and fall in line with all the other cities and countries which have brought in 100% smokefree policies."

Councillor Mike Storey, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: "We welcome the plans to restrict smoking, but they do not go far enough.

"We need to protect all employees who are exposed to smoking in their workplace, and a partial ban just wouldn't work."

Liverpool Riverside MP, Louise Ellman, who is sponsoring the Liverpool Bill in the House of Commons said "The government have taken great steps forward, but workers should be protected from the effects of second hand smoke. Every year up to 100 people in Liverpool die as a result of second hand smoke. I urge the government to take that extra step to save lives. This is an excellent example of Liverpool leading the way".