20 days of Smokefree

Smokefree 20 days on

Last year 997 people in Cumbria died from Smoking. The equivalent of the population of a village like Wetheral dying unnecessarily as a result of smoking related illnesses. 227 of those that died were from Carlisle and District, 19% of all deaths in the District. In a bid to deal with this the Government introduced Smokefree England, at 6.00am on Sunday 1 July, 20 days on the Smokefree Educators continue to build on the good relationships they have established with businesses throughout the district.

As part of the City Council's ongoing commitment to helping ensure as smooth a transition as possible the two Smokefree Educators have continued to visit all sorts of businesses, including 260 located on the thirteen industrial estates throughout the district and 233 of the city centre's shops. One such business they are visiting is the Carlisle Ex-Serviceman's Club on Fisher Street, where a photo opportunity has been arranged with the Educators and Staff, on Thursday 26 July at 10.00am.

Many local businesses were up to speed with the new legislation, which for them meant that virtually all 'enclosed' and 'substantially enclosed' public places and work places had to be Smokefree. Including places like offices, factories, shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, membership clubs, as well as public transport and work vehicles that are used by more than one person.

The residents of the district have embraced Smokefree, with only two referrals being made, which have both been resolved. Indeed residents have fully embraced the new legislation with many saying that they are now more likely to go out to restaurants, pubs and clubs because Smokefree is in place, nationally statistics agree.

• 36 per cent of people said that a smoky atmosphere is the single biggest reason that would discourage them from going to a bar or pub (followed by the type of people that frequent the venue at 20 per cent)
• 67 per cent of people said they would rather spend the evening in a pub where smoking was not allowed
• 91 per cent of people would find someone lighting up in an non-smoking place unacceptable (including 83 per cent of smokers)
• 71 per cent of regular pub-goers support the legislation
• 73 per cent of the overall population say that legislation will not affect how often they go to restaurants and cafes
• 19 per cent say they will go to cafes and restaurants more often

The data above is from the Consumer Omnibus Survey was carried out by ICM Research and surveyed over 1700 members of the public between 18th and 26th April 2007.

Cllr Judy Prest portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing said:

Smokefree Carlisle is a positive step towards improving the health and well being of the population of the district. The City Council has an ongoing commitment to help local people adjust to what the new laws mean for them. The Smokefree Educators are continuing to offer advice and support to all types of businesses, to ensure they comply with the new legislation.

To make an appointment for Smokefree advice and support contact the City Council on 01228 817336 or by email foodandsafety@carlisle.gov.uk.