Residents and visitors to Bath and North East Somerset have been
enjoying cleaner, fresher air since the implementation of the
Smokefree England legislation a year ago (July 1 2007).
Bath & North East Somerset Council and Bath and North East
Somerset Primary Care Trust have been delighted with the high level
of compliance achieved in local businesses.
Throughout the year, the Council has been responsible for
ensuring that premises across the district are complying with
legislation, and the PCT has continued its work in encouraging
people not to start smoking and providing the support and advice
for those who want to quit.
The transition has been very smooth with the majority of
businesses and members of the public requesting guidance or advice,
rather than reporting problems. In a local survey carried out in
June 2008, 90% of the businesses questioned had not experienced any
problems at all, with the feeling generally in the business
community that going smokefree has been easier than expected.
Councillor Charles Gerrish, Council Cabinet Member for Customer
Services said: “Bath and North East Somerset businesses have
generally responded in a very positive way to the Smokefree
legislation and members of the public are now enjoying the
opportunity to experience leisure activities with their families in
a smokefree environment.”
Health Improvement Officers from the Council and Bath and North
East Somerset Primary Care Trust have been taking part in an
England–wide survey to examine the levels of exposure to harmful
chemicals from secondhand smoke. This study has been funded by
Cancer Research UK and is being coordinated by the Tobacco Control
Collaboration Centre.
Tests were carried out pre and post legislation to assess
individual exposure of bar staff to second-hand smoke. The
researchers calculated that non-smoking employees’ exposure in June
2007 was equivalent to smoking 190 cigarettes a year and by August
this had dropped to approximately 44, which can be attributed to
the exposure of the wider environment.
Tim Perry, landlord of The Raven in Bath, said: “It’s great to
hear this research which proves that the smoking ban is beneficial
for our staff. Also many of our customers are non-smokers and it is
great for them to be able to spend an evening out without being in
a smoky atmosphere.
"Even our employees that smoke find it a more pleasant
atmosphere to work in, certainly we have had fewer absentees from
colds and similar illness. From our point of view it certainly has
had no adverse effect on our business.”
Dr Kieran Morgan, Director of Public Health, Bath and North East
Somerset Primary Care Trust, said: “It is encouraging to hear that
exposure to harmful smoke has decreased as a result of the
legislation, and I am pleased that people in Bath and North East
Somerset are breathing cleaner air. The PCT is committed to working
to prevent smoking and to supporting people who have made the
decision to quit.”
Cllr Gerrish added: “This research is very positive with a large
proportion of businesses in Bath linked to hospitality and leisure
is it good to know that employees are already feeling the health
benefits of the legislation and will continue to do so.”
Staff from the Council’s Public Protection team are happy to
offer information, guidance and free signage to businesses.
The PCT ensures that a range of smoking prevention and cessation
services are in place, advice and information about services that
are available to help people to stop smoking is available by
contacting the smoking cessation line on 01225 831852. Drop-in
sessions are also held at St Martin’s Hospital in Bath on
Saturdays, from 10am to 12pm, anyone is welcome to
attend.
