Noah's Ark becomes smoke free flagship

November 26, 2004 - PRESS RELEASE

The Noah's Ark pub in Speke is to make the transition from smoke-filled to smoke-free for the first time next week a result of pressure from local residents for cleaner air.

The first in a series of 'smoke free Tuesdays' begins on the 30th November with an event staged by the young people of Parklands High School. The pupils, together with other youths people from the estate, will be giving an action-packed performance of the Eastern play Bombay Nights.

The event at the Noah's Ark is being hailed as a real milestone in Liverpool's smoke free movement.

Andy Hull, Smokefree Liverpool Chair said: "Throughout our campaigning, we have always stressed the importance of protecting all workers exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke - not just in city centre bars and restaurants."

Beatrice Fraenkel, Chairman of South Liverpool Primary Care Trust agreed, adding: "Speke has one of the highest smoking prevalence rates in the city, so the willingness of the Noah's Ark to experiment with a smoke free policy is commendable. From our time spent working with the people in this community, it became evident that this is what local residents genuinely want and need."

Councillor for Speke, Paula Keaveney said: "This event is a real breakthrough because it shows faith in and commitment to the smoke free campaign. As a Councillor for Speke, and one of the Councillors responsible for our healthy living policies, I am doubly delighted".

Representatives from the Smokefree Liverpool group will be on hand to offer health advice and promotion activities on the night.

Head Teacher at Parklands High School, Alan Smithies, is looking forward to the event: "We are fully behind the venture, which we see as a way to educate our pupils and their parents against the dangers of second-hand tobacco smoke. We are looking forward to putting on a great show!"