UK
BHF calls for 'exemptions' proposal to be stubbed out
By British Heart Foundation
Sep 5, 2005, 15:07

The British Medical Association today warned that the Government�s new anti-smoking campaign focusing on the dangers of passive smoking "smacks of double standards" if it doesn�t take action to protect the health of all workers from second-hand smoke.

Meanwhile, a survey by ASH and Cancer Research UK shows that, under the Government�s current proposals, many pubs would abandon serving food to allow their customers to continue to smoke.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, spokesperson for the British Heart Foundation, said: "This new advertising campaign only smacks of double standards if the Government fails to implement comprehensive smokefree legislation following today�s consultation deadline.

"This opportunity has not yet passed and the Government still has the chance to choose the only sensible and workable solution: a full smoking ban in all enclosed public places, including all pubs.

"We think this new ad campaign signals that the Government is already persuaded of the overwhelming medical case for the ban. Its real intention is perhaps to help sway the minority of the public who remain sceptical about the damage secondhand smoke can cause.

"Today�s survey by ASH and Cancer Research UK provides a very worrying insight into the plans many publicans have to exploit the loopholes in the proposed legislation. The results suggest up to 40% of pubs would be exempt from the ban.

"Protecting only 60% of pub workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke because they happen to serve burgers with their beer is a senseless proposal that must be stubbed out without further delay."

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