One year on - smoking ban hailed a success

2:50pm Wednesday 2nd July 2008

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ALMOST 2,500 people have given up smoking in South Gloucestershire since the ban was introduced a year ago.

Despite concern the legislation would force pubs across the region to close, 12 months on and the ban is being hailed a success for cutting smoking rates.

The figures for the number of people who stubbed out in the past year were released on the one year anniversary of the controversial Government ban which came into effect on July 1 2007.

South Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust said 2,479 people had used the NHS Stop Smoking service in the region since the ban started. Smokers are said to be four times more likely to quit with help from the free support service and a stop smoking aid.

June Martin, smoking cessation co-ordinator at South Gloucestershire PCT, said: "Stopping smoking is the most important thing you can do for your health.

"If you're a parent and smoke, your children are three times more likely to become a smoker too.

"The ban on smoking was a huge impetus for people to quit - if you still haven't, it's never too late and our free local service can really help you."

All GP surgeries in South Gloucestershire have launched support packages for their patients who want to quit smoking and registered Support to Stop advisors are on hand with advice in pharmacies across the area and specialist support clinics including one in Yate.

Despite concern for the future of their businesses, landlords have adhered to the new rules.

South Gloucestershire Council said in the past year enforcement officers had visited 3,000 pubs and offices and found 98 percent were complaint with the law.

Cllr Heather Goddard, executive member for communities, said: "We have had a positive response from businesses since the smokefree legislation was introduced a year ago.

"We will continue to encourage compliance with the legislation, and work with the PCT to help reduce smoking rates."

David Cox, landlord at the Anchor Inn on Gloucester Road, Thornbury, said he would have banned smokers from some parts of the pub if the ban had not been brought in.

Added Mr Cox: "I think it is brilliant.

"It hasn't really affected our trade, smoking customers still come in and we have places outside where they can smoke.

"The biggest effect has been on our cigar trade which virtually stopped overnight."

Tony Merrifield, manager of the Rising Sun in Frampton Cotterell, said the atmosphere inside the pub had improved since the ban.

He said: "Because we have such a small, enclosed bar when smoking was allowed it could get very smoky.

"Now it is much more pleasant, even for the smokers. "

Mr Merrifield said he had been worried customers would go elsewhere or stay at home but said people were still coming out to enjoy a drink.

The council's smokefree co-ordinator Lorraine Green said: "Some of the initiatives that the council has undertaken to raise awareness about the smokefree legislation include not butts' beer mats for pubs and stubbie packs' that people who smoke outside can use to put their butts in to reduce litter."

For further information on how the council can help with smokefree legislation, contact Lorraine Green on 01454 863702.

For support to give up smoking contact the NHS Stop Smoking Service on 0117 3302439 or email NHSStopsmokingservice@sglos-pct.nhs.uk