Why Wait?

May 3, 2006

SmokeFree Liverpool is to launch a 'Why Wait?' campaign, to persuade businesses in the city to go smokefree ahead of legislation.

With national laws restricting smoking in enclosed workplaces due to come into effect in summer 2007, the Liverpool campaigners want businesses to take action sooner rather than later.

They believe that there are advantages for businesses which join the thousands already smokefree - and that the overwhelming majority of people in the city want to see it happen.

"Since MPs voted in February for a national law, we have been inundated with support for the legislation," said Frances Molloy, Director of health@work and a member of SmokeFree Liverpool.

"The people of the city are so strongly behind this campaign that it seems obvious to us that it would make sense for many organisations to say 'Why wait for the legislation - we'll go smokefree now'.

"We're sure that staff will welcome it, and the businesses will get all the benefits of being smokefree - such as reduced maintenance costs, better health among employees, freedom from future litigation and so on."

A committee of prominent business people is being assembled, and a formal launch of the campaign will take place in July, when it is expected that the Government will announce details of the national implementation, and Liverpool's own Smokefree Bill will be formally withdrawn.

The city led the way in pushing for all workplaces to be smokefree, and was prepared to pursue its own legislation, if the Government's proposals had fallen short.

"We were delighted that the MPs listened to our arguments and came up with the decision they did," said Andy Hull, Chair of SmokeFree Liverpool. "However, we have always said that smokefree legislation could not come fast enough, and we see no reason that businesses in the city should wait another year. Why wait?"

More than 50% of Liverpool businesses are already smokefree; more than 500 premises in the city have received Clean Air Awards; all NHS premises and schools are smokefree.

The Why Wait? programme will feature a roadshow for businesses, as well as an information campaign to explain the issues and how to go about becoming smokefree.

"There is no logical reason to delay: let's see this city become the leader for the rest of the country once again," added Andy Hull.

Businesses can get support and information about going smokefree from health@work on 0151 236 6608.