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26/03/2004
BMA announces support for UK smoking ban
The BMA has called on the government to follow the Republic of Ireland's lead and ban smoking in enclosed public places.
Last month, the Irish government announced that it would ban smoking in the workplace with effect from 29 March. The ban will mean that smoking is forbidden in enclosed places of work –including office blocks, various buildings, public houses/bars, restaurants and company vehicles
Dr Vivienne Nathanson, Head of BMA Ethics and Science, said: "The Irish government has shown real leadership in this area and we urge the UK government to do the same. At least one thousand people die every year from second-hand smoke and the time for complacency is over.
"The government keeps saying it wants to tackle public health issues, well we've got the evidence that passive smoking kills so why don't they act on it?"
Dr Peter Maguire, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Science and a consultant anaesthetist in Northern Ireland, added: "I for one will be crossing the border to be able to have a drink in a smoke-free pub and I'm sure others will be doing the same. But the point is we shouldn't have to do this. Everyone has a right to go to smoke-free restaurants, pubs and shops."
Just under 25% of the Irish population smoke and the purpose of the smoking ban is to offer protection to employees and the public who are exposed to the harmful and toxic effects of tobacco smoke in the workplace. Smoking has been identified as a major cause of heart disease and a significant contributor to lung cancer in Ireland, the government said.
Anyone found guilty of breaching the ban on smoking in the workplace may be subject to a fine of 3,000 euro. The owner, manager or person in charge of the workplace is legally responsible for ensuring that the ban on smoking in the workplace is complied with.
(gmcg)
Last month, the Irish government announced that it would ban smoking in the workplace with effect from 29 March. The ban will mean that smoking is forbidden in enclosed places of work –including office blocks, various buildings, public houses/bars, restaurants and company vehicles
Dr Vivienne Nathanson, Head of BMA Ethics and Science, said: "The Irish government has shown real leadership in this area and we urge the UK government to do the same. At least one thousand people die every year from second-hand smoke and the time for complacency is over.
"The government keeps saying it wants to tackle public health issues, well we've got the evidence that passive smoking kills so why don't they act on it?"
Dr Peter Maguire, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Science and a consultant anaesthetist in Northern Ireland, added: "I for one will be crossing the border to be able to have a drink in a smoke-free pub and I'm sure others will be doing the same. But the point is we shouldn't have to do this. Everyone has a right to go to smoke-free restaurants, pubs and shops."
Just under 25% of the Irish population smoke and the purpose of the smoking ban is to offer protection to employees and the public who are exposed to the harmful and toxic effects of tobacco smoke in the workplace. Smoking has been identified as a major cause of heart disease and a significant contributor to lung cancer in Ireland, the government said.
Anyone found guilty of breaching the ban on smoking in the workplace may be subject to a fine of 3,000 euro. The owner, manager or person in charge of the workplace is legally responsible for ensuring that the ban on smoking in the workplace is complied with.
(gmcg)
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02 April 2014
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28 April 2005
BMA reinforces call for UK-wide smoking ban
The British Medical Association (BMA) has reinforced its call for a UK-wide ban on smoking in public places, with the publication of a report which, it claims, will “counter the myths” generated by opponents to the ban.
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10 November 2004
Scottish executive backs smoking ban
The Scottish executive has today confirmed that it will seek a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places. In order to enforce the ban, pubs and restaurants that fail to enforce the law will face fines up to a maximum of £2,500.
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08 March 2006
Smoking ban 'deters smokers'
The threat of a smoking ban being introduced is encouraging smokers to give up the habit, a survey has suggested. Research conducted on behalf of Cancer Research UK found that a fifth of doctors reported an increase in patients seeking advice to help quit smoking since MPs voted in favor of a total ban in England last month.
Smoking ban 'deters smokers'
The threat of a smoking ban being introduced is encouraging smokers to give up the habit, a survey has suggested. Research conducted on behalf of Cancer Research UK found that a fifth of doctors reported an increase in patients seeking advice to help quit smoking since MPs voted in favor of a total ban in England last month.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Mostly cloudy with showery outbreaks of rain reaching parts of Antrim and Down later this evening, The showers will extend westwards overnight, clearing from most places by morning. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
