London goes smokefree

London has been gearing up for the 100-day countdown to the introduction of the smokefree legislation on 1st July 2007. We are leading the way by launching a three-month campaign that has seen our specially branded bus running through the city.

The bus made its final stop of the campaign on 25 June at Trafalgar Square. Caroline Flint, Minister of State for Public Health was unable to join us as her train was delayed due to flooding.

Left to right Kofi Owusu, LHC, Natasha Bailey, Health Link, Gus Wilson, LHC, Jennette Arnold and Gail Findlay, LHC, Heather Richardson and Sarah Beck, Munro & Forster.

The bus has been running on Route 137 from Crysal Palace to Oxford Circus from 21st March and when it is not in full, regular service, it has been a resource point for information for Londoners, and a market
research post for securing comments, opinions and views from the capital's residents.

Our latest research shows:

• Almost two thirds (65%) of Londoners currently either avoid smoky pubs, clubs and bars and would prefer them to be smokefree
• Half of London's non-smokers (50%) say they will visit places they have previously avoided because they were too smoky
• Almost two thirds (61%) of London's non-smokers and almost half (49%) of all Londoners are glad they won't have to wash their hair or change their clothes to remove the smell of smoke!
• Over two thirds (69%) of smokers surveyed said that after the legislation comes into force on 1st July they will either try to cut down or give up smoking.
  

Mayoral support for the campaign:
Mayor Ken Livingstone said, "I am very pleased to give my support to the London Health Commission's new SmokeFree London campaign. With 100 days to go until the ban comes into force it is a good time to remind us all why this legislation is so important. The driving force behind this move is the pressing need to protect people from secondhand smoke, especially workers, no matter where they are employed. The ban will also give encouragement to smokers who want to kick the habit, as so many do. Given the marked inequalities in smoking-related deaths across the capital, and between different groups of Londoners, I am convinced that this legislation will be seen as one of the most important contributions to public health for generations to come."

Other support
"1st July marks a momentous step and it is brilliant that London is leading the way in the UK going smokefree. I am looking forward to a smokefree environment, as I believe it will make the UK a cleaner and healthier place to live and work. It could be just the prompt some people who want to kick the habit need to help them succeed." - Anthea Turner

"This is a really important change for London that will make a huge difference to all our social and working lives, and lets face it, there's far more interesting things to do with your mouth and hands than stick a cigarette in it!!!" - Ben Shephard, GMTV

"I have been a smoker for 30 years, and after quitting I realised how offensive the smell is to those surrounding you. People have the right to live in a smoke free zone and the country should have a lot more of them." - John Stapelton, GMTV

New law from 1 July 2007
The legislation being introduced on 1st July will mean virtually all work and public places will become smokefree. Many employers and workers in and around London are already aware of the legislation and have begun implementing measures to gear up for it. SmokeFree London aims to support and provide advice for those who need to make the necessary changes in order to comply with the new legislation to ensure that the transition to smokefree runs as smoothly as possible.

Press releases
Read the press releases

Visit the SmokeFree London website to access more information on the new legislation and support materials to help with implementation.

No Smoking Day News: Jennette Arnold AM and LHC Chair said, “We know that the majority of people who smoke want to quit and that quitting smoking is the best decision you can make for your health and well-being. No Smoking Day 2007 is the perfect opportunity to take this step, as we get closer to the smoke-free law that will come into force on July 1st. Fifty years after the Clean Air Act of 1956, this is a huge leap forward in improving the health of Londoners."

Read the full release.

SmokeFree London Forum activities include:

• Building links with and influencing agencies whose policy, legislative or regulatory remit can impact on the use of tobacco.
• Providing the reference group for the SmokeFree London group and building on the success of the Commission's Big Smoke Debate initiative.
• Encouraging partner organisations to take decisive action to protect the health of their clients and staff from tobacco smoke - see Challenge 2
  

This forum is chaired by Stephen Burke, former Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council. The forum is supported by the SmokeFree London team, based at the Regional Public Health Group.

Organisations represented include the Trades Union Congress, the Prison Service and the Muslim Health Network.

The Regional Public Health Group provides policy and practical support and funds the forum's work along with the London NHS.

Visit the SmokeFree London website.