European countries must opt for total public smoking ban - Liz Lynne

6.40.08pm GMT Tue 21st Mar 2006

Liz Lynne MEP and Professor Konrad Jamrozik

Banning smoking in all public places across the EU would save at least 7,000 lives a year, a new report predicted today.

Liz Lynne MEP chaired today's launch of the report, "Lifting the smokescreen: 10 reasons for a smoke-free Europe", which found that passive smoking kills 79,000 people across Europe every year. 7,000 of these deaths are due to second-hand smoke exposure at work.

The report, commissioned by Cancer Research UK, European Respiratory Society, Institut National du Cancer and the European Heart Network, calls for all European member states to introduce comprehensive smoke-free legislation, which would include a total ban on smoking at work, in bars and restaurants, public places (including hospitals and schools) and public

transport.

The report also found that there has been no negative impact on businesses in countries which have already introduced smoke-free legislation, and support for the ban in these countries has increased after its introduction. In Ireland, 93% of people think the introduction of the law was a good idea, including 80% of smokers, and 98% of people feel that workplaces are healthier since the introduction of the law, including 94% of smokers.

Speaking in Brussels today, Liz Lynne said:

"Today's report sets out in black and white the facts concerning second-hand smoke. Passive smoking at work kills thousands a year - yet employees across Europe are forced to continue working in smoking environments."

"I was originally in favour of a voluntary code, but I have seen first-hand that many restaurants and bars are unable to properly regulate their own establishments and keep clearly separated areas for smokers. Without their cooperation, a comprehensive ban is the only way forward to ensure employees and customers are fully protected."

"Smoke-free legislation is health and safety legislation. I am delighted that the UK will be enforcing a total ban on smoking in public places from next summer. Those member states who have not already done so must follow suit."

Notes to Editors

1. Five European countries - Norway, Ireland, Italy, Malta and Sweden - currently have smoke-free bars and restaurants. Scotland will follow suit in April, and the rest of the UK in summer 2007.

2. Today's report gives the following reasons for going smoke-free:

· Second-hand smoke exposure kills and harms health.

· Every worker has the right to be protected from exposure to tobacco smoke.

· Scientific evidence shows that ventilation does not protect against exposure to tobacco smoke.

· Smoke-free laws do not result in negative economic effects.

· Freedom of choice includes the responsibility not to harm others.

· The public supports smoke-free legislation.

· The public complies with smoke-free legislation.

· It has been done elsewhere. It can be done everywhere.

· It is a cost effective public health intervention.

· Comprehensive smoke free policies work.

3. The report also found that there has been no negative impact on businesses in countries which have already introduced smoke-free legislation, and support for the ban in these countries has increased after its introduction. In Ireland, 93% of people think the introduction of the law was a good idea, including 80% of smokers, and 98% of people feel that workplaces are healthier since the introduction of the law, including 94% of smokers.

4. Attached is a photo of Liz Lynne MEP and Prof Konrad Jamrozik, Professor of Evidence-Based Healthcare at the University of Queensland.

5. For a full copy of "Lifting the smoke-screen: 10 reasons for a smoke-free Europe", please call 01789 262 785.

ENDS