Government Begins Campaign To Prepare For Smoking Ban

The campaign, called "Space to Breathe", developed by the Health Promotion Agency on behalf of the Department of Health, includes television and radio commercials, public information leaflet and a website spacetobreathe.org.uk.

The government hopes that the new legislation will lead to a substantial drop in the 3,000 smoking related deaths each year in the North.

Similar bans already in place in Ireland and Scotland are claimed to have already resulted in improvements in the health of workers in the bar and restaurant industries.

Launching the campaign, the minister for health Paul Goggins said: "Northern Ireland will go smoke-free on 30 April 2007. This legislation is extremely important and will have a positive impact on the health of people across Northern Ireland. It is therefore essential that we all understand our rights and responsibilities.

"The Space to Breathe campaign provides a lot of useful information including the effects of second hand smoke, general guidance on the smoke-free legislation and advice on smoking cessation services.

"I would encourage as many people as possible to familiarise themselves with what this legislation will actually mean in practice. Its successful implementation will require everyone's co-operation."

However, many businesses, especially from the hospitality industry have complained the government has not yet detailed exactly what arrangements and outside facilities they can make for those who wish to continue smoking.

With the lengthy planning process in the North, which can see approval delayed for up to a year, many business owners are complaining that it is already too late to make arrangements for the April deadline.

The Minister promised guidance is coming.

"Prior to the changes coming into effect, a comprehensive guidance pack will be provided to the business community. A team of 10 Environmental Health Officers have already started working with the business sector.

"They will visit business premises, and provide seminars and other materials to help them comply with the new law." Mr Goggins described the ban as an exciting development in the North.

"The smoke-free legislation will enable people to go about their business and leisure pursuits free from the risk of being exposed to damaging second hand smoke - it will provide 'Space to Breathe' for everyone!" he said.

Dr Brian Gaffney, chief executive of the Health Promotion Agency said that, "around 3,000 lives are lost each year in Northern Ireland as a result of tobacco related illnesses, most of which are preventable."