SmokeFree

21 June 2007

A smokefree England will be a reality in just over one week. On Sunday 1 July all enclosed public places and workplaces will become smokefree, as the Health Act 2006 comes into force.

The latest public opinion research, released today by the Department of Health, shows that 95 per cent of people are aware of the new law, with unprompted awareness of the 1st July date as high as 83 per cent, risen from 55 per cent in April. Support for a smokefree England is strong, with nearly eight in ten (78 per cent) people, including 73 per cent of regular pub-goers, supporting the introduction of the legislation.

Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said:

"A smokefree England will see the single biggest improvement in public health for a generation. The scientific and medical evidence is clear - secondhand smoke is a killer; there is absolutely no safe level of exposure. The introduction of the new smokefree law will mean that thousands of lives will be saved and the health of thousands more protected.

"The new law will protect everyone from the harm of secondhand smoke when working, socialising and relaxing. Three quarters of people in England already choose not to smoke and almost three quarters of those who do say they want to give up. A smokefree England will help provide a supportive environment for those who want to give-up.

"We have worked hard over the last seven months to ensure that everyone is aware of the new law, how it affects them and what they need to do. Support has been provided to businesses and individuals by the Department of Health and local councils and we are confident that England is ready to go smokefree on 1 July.

"I would like to thank everyone, from health and business groups to the leisure and hospitality industry, for their involvement and support in the Smokefree England campaign and for helping to make a smokefree England a reality."

The next week sees the culmination of a wide range of awareness raising activities around England. These are being organised by Smokefree England alongside local alliances, councils, primary care trusts and other groups.

Further findings of the survey of 1700 adults include:

• 78 per cent of people believe going smokefree will have a positive effect on health, including 53 per cent of smokers
• 66 per cent of people say that the legislation will not affect how often they go to the pub and 18 per cent say they will go more often
• 72 per cent of people say that the legislation will not affect how often they go to restaurants and almost two in ten (19 per cent) say they will go more often
• Nine out of ten people (90 per cent) think that the legislation will be enforced
• 92 per cent of people believe their employer will enforce the legislation and 89 percent believe business owners/mangers will enforce it.

Notes to editors

1. With the implementation of the smokefree elements of the Health Act 2006, from 6am on the 1st July 2007, virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces will become smokefree environments. This will include offices, factories, shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, membership clubs, public transport and work vehicles that are used by more than one person. The law will also mean that indoor smoking rooms will no longer be allowed, so anyone wishing to smoke will have to go outside instead.

2. The smokefree compliance guidance and no-smoking signs can be found on-line at www.smokefreeengland.co.uk/resources or by calling the Smokefree England helpline on 0800 169 169 7.

3. The public opinion omnibus survey was carried out by ICM Research and surveyed 1737 adults between 30th-31st May and 8th-10th June 2007.

For further information, media enquiries only, please contact Brenda Irons-Roberts, Department of Health media centre on 020 7210 5649.