Smoking Bans are Good for Business

February 9, 2005 - ASTHMA UK PRESS RELEASE

Smokefree public places aren't bad for business, health charity Asthma UK said today.

With legislation already in the pipeline for Scotland and Wales, the cities of Liverpool and London have their own Private Bills before Parliament to give them the right to protect their citizens from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. The announcement from Asthma UK comes in the week when petitions against the Bills are currently before the House of Lords.

'We get the same old scare stories every time,' said Martin Dockrell, Assistant Director of Policy & Public Affairs at Asthma UK, 'The tobacco industry continues to claim that clean air is bad for business and each time their claims turn out to be false.'

In New York, the number of bar jobs has increased since the city brought in laws to protect bar staff from secondhand smoke and the number of bar permits has stayed stable. In Oslo, Norway, the hospitality trade has improved with fewer restaurant and bar closures since public places went smokefree. In fact, there has yet to be an independent study that shows smokefree public places are bad for business.

Mr Dockrell continued: 'From Asthma UK's point of view this is hardly surprising, there are over 5 million adults with asthma in the UK and our research shows that more than 4 out 5 will have their asthma triggered by other people's smoke. 40% of adults interviewed told us that they avoid smoky pubs and clubs that is over 1.5 million lost customers.'

The charity dismissed claims that smokefree bars would increase smoking at home. Mr. Dockrell said: 'The reverse is probably true. The research shows us that smoke-free public places make it easier for smokers to quit. For example, in New York we see that there were 100,000 fewer smokers a year after the ban and 7 million fewer cigarettes had been sold in the city.'

ENDS

Notes:
1. Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 5.1 million people with asthma in the UK. Asthma UK works with people with asthma, healthcare professionals and researchers to develop and share expertise to help people increase their understanding and reduce the effect of asthma on their lives.

2. For independent and confidential advice on asthma, call the Asthma UK Adviceline, which is staffed by asthma nurse specialists. It is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 08457 01 02 03. Or email an asthma nurse at asthma.org.uk/adviceline.

3. For up-to-date news on asthma, information and publications, visit the Asthma UK website asthma.org.uk

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