Delight at council's SmokeFree vote

October 20, 2004 - PRESS RELEASE

The vote which could make Liverpool the first smokefree city in England was welcomed by the group which has led the campaign to prohibit smoking in workplaces.

Tonight, Liverpool City Council decided to pursue a Local Act of Parliament which should enable the council to enforce restrictions on smoking in workplaces, within the next two years.

Smokefree Liverpool - a group made up of health organisations, the City Council and the private sector - has been pressing for legislation since the end of last year.

"We are delighted that the City Council voted to pursue a Local Act of Parliament and look forward to the benefits that will bring to the people of Liverpool," said Smokefree Liverpool Project Director Mark Brandreth.

"Our preference remains for national legislation but, in its absence, we believe local legislation can certainly play a major role in making the city a better place to work and live."

Smokefree Liverpool now intends to step up its campaign to persuade employers to make workplaces smokefree - without waiting for any legislation to come into effect.

"There are clear economic benefits, as well as the health considerations, and we will be working hard to make sure that employers are aware of these benefits and of how to access support in becoming smokefree," added Mark Brandreth.