100 days to a smoke-free Slough
Slough Borough Council will be helping residents and businesses to become smoke-free in the run up to England banning smoking in all enclosed public places, from 1 July.
This includes Slough pubs, clubs and all workplaces.
The council will be offering information and help over the next four months to businesses and residents on how the new smoke-free legislation will affect both smokers and non-smokers.
Close up of smokerThe main purpose of the legislation is to protect employees and the public from the effects of second-hand smoke, which can cause heart disease, lung cancer, sudden infant death syndrome and asthma attacks.
Dympna Molloy, head of neighbourhood enforcement for Slough Borough Council, said: “The introduction of a smoke-free Slough in 100 days time will reduce the health risks caused by exposure to second-hand smoke.
“It will also recognise a person’s right to be protected from harm and enjoy smoke-free air, and increase the benefits of not smoking in places for people trying to give up.”
Cllr John Edwards, commissioner for Slough public protection, said: “This legislation has already proven to be very welcome in Ireland and Scotland, and I hope we will have the same experiences here in Slough.
“Studies have shown that there has been a massive improvement in the air quality of enclosed public places when they are smoke-free, providing a more enjoyable experience for people either drinking in pubs or bars and those eating at restaurants.”
More than three out of four people don’t smoke, and nearly three quarters of all smokers want to give up. However, only 51 per cent of people currently report their workplace as being completely smoke free.
This figure is lower for people in routine and manual jobs.
The new legislation will cover all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces, including shops, offices, factories, pubs, restaurants, public transport, and work vehicles that are used by more than one person. Indoor workplace smoking rooms will also disappear so anyone wishing to smoke will have to go outside instead.
Slough Borough Council