Liverpool smokefree Bill in the Lords

July 19, 2005 - PRESS RELEASE FROM SMOKEFREE LIVERPOOL

Campaigners from Liverpool are in London today (Weds July 20) to support the 'Liverpool Smokefree Bill' in its passage through the House of Lords.

The Bill - which would enable Liverpool to make all the city's workplaces 100% smokefree - receives its Second Reading in the Lords this afternoon.

It is hoped that the Bill will be considered by a Lords' Committee in the autumn, progress to the Commons in the early new year and become law next summer.

The Government has its own plans for restricting smoking in workplaces, but currently they would allow exemptions in pubs which don't serve food, and in private members' clubs.

"There is a very strongly held view that the Government's proposals don't go far enough and will only worsen health inequalities in the most deprived areas," said Gideon Ben-Tovim, Chair of Central Liverpool PCT and Joint Chair of the SmokeFree Liverpool Stakeholder Group. "That is why we think it so important to press ahead with the city's own Bill, and why we are confident of support today."

Liverpool MP Louise Ellman, who is backing the Bill in the Commons, said: " Liverpool is leading the way. This initiative is about saving lives and the public are backing us".

Cllr Mike Storey, Leader of Liverpool City Council, added: "More and more people are getting the message that secondhand smoke kills. At least 100 people are killed by secondhand smoke in Liverpool every year, and something must be done to end this health scandal.

"It's great news that we are now taking the next step towards outlawing smoking in every workplace in Liverpool. It is a major success that we have secured the parliamentary time to get the Bill read in the Lords before the Summer Recess. It's a big boost for the campaign.

"Liverpool City Council is determined to outlaw smoking in all enclosed public areas and workplaces."