SmokeFree

Embargoed until 00:01 12 May 2007 

A smoky atmosphere is the single biggest reason for avoiding a pub or bar, according to a survey published by the Department of Health today, which also showed a high level of support for smokefree legislation.

And with only 50 days to go until smokefree England becomes a reality, the Government is launching a national advertising campaign to remind the public what the legislation will mean when it comes in to force on Sunday 1 July.

The survey of 1700 adults shows that 36 per cent of people cite a smoke-filled atmosphere as the main turn-off for going to a bar or pub, with the type of people who frequent the venue coming in second at 20 per cent.  Over two thirds (67 per cent) of people would rather spend the evening in a smokefree venue, than one where smoking is allowed, and 91 per cent (including 83 per cent of smokers) now consider lighting-up in a non-smoking place unacceptable.

Public Health Minister, Caroline Flint, said:

"With only 50 days to go until England goes smokefree our aim is to ensure that everyone is aware of the new law, how it will affect them and what they need to do to prepare.  Our snapshot survey shows that the majority of people know that smokefree legislation is coming, but almost half the population are not aware it comes into effect on 1 July.

"The campaign is a reminder to people of the date and gives examples of the range of locations which will be smokefree.  It forms part of a comprehensive communications campaign to make sure that businesses and individuals understand what action they need to take.

"We are confident that with the support being provided by the Department of Health and by local councils, everyone should be ready in time."

The survey also reveals widespread support for the legislation. Findings include:

• 93 per cent of the overall population are aware that smokefree legislation is coming, however 45 per cent don't know that it comes into force on 1 July 2007
•  71 per cent of regular pub-goers support the legislation, as well as 76 per cent of the overall population
•  68 per cent of the population say that the legislation will not affect how often they go to the pub, 15 per cent say they will go more often and only 7 per cent will go less often (10 per cent were not pub-goers)
•  76 per cent of the population believe that going smokefree will have a positive effect on health

The TV ad, which runs on national TV for the first time on the evening of 14 May, shows an 'everyday' man walking through a variety of locations, including a café, pub, garage and office, which will all be required to be smokefree.  He explains that from 1 July smoking will no longer be allowed in enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces. The ad finishes outdoors, in a pub garden.

Recent research carried out amongst businesses, showed that 41 per cent of businesses in England do not realise that smoking rooms will need to be closed and more than half (53 per cent) are unaware that work vehicles will also be covered by the legislation.  The advertising forms part of a major campaign to prepare businesses and the public for 1 July, including a dedicated website and a mail-out of guidance to 1.7m businesses in England.

Notes to editors:

Please contact Smokefree England campaign office on 020 7492 0980 for photography of the ad, case studies and further information.

• The consumer omnibus survey was carried out by ICM Research and surveyed over 1700 members of the public between 18th and 26th April 2007.
• The business omnibus surveys were carried out by Continental Research and surveyed 1,141 business in England in January and February 2007
• smokefree compliance guidance and no-smoking signs can be found on-line at www.smokefreeengland.co.uk/resources

Summary of consumer omnibus findings:

A smokefree environment (omnibus survey carried out 18th-22nd April 2007)

• 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)

Awareness of the legislation (omnibus survey carried out 20th-26th April 2007)

• 93 per cent of the overall population are aware that smokefree legislation is coming
• 45 per cent don't know the date when the legislation comes into force (1 July 2007)

Support for the legislation (omnibus survey carried out 20th-26th April 2007)

•   76 per cent of the population support the introduction of smokefree legislation
•  87 per cent of non-smokers support the legislation
• 44 per cent of smokers support the legislation
• 71 per cent of regular pub-goers support the legislation

Health benefits of the legislation (omnibus survey carried out 20th-26th April 2007)

• 76 per cent believe that going smokefree will have a positive effect on health
•  50 per cent of smokers believe that going smokefree will have a positive effect on health

Impact on pubs(omnibus survey carried out 20th-26th April 2007)

• 68 per cent of the population say that legislation will not affect how often they go to the pub
•  15 per cent say they will go to the pub more often

Impact on restaurants and cafes (omnibus survey carried out 20th-26th April 2007)

•  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

For further information, media enquiries only, please contact the Department of Health press office on 020 7210 5221/5649