The introduction of the prohibition on smoking in all enclosed workplaces and public places in England in July 2007 is one of the most significant public health measures the country has ever seen. Following on from the successful introduction of smokefree legislation in other parts of the UK, the new measures mean that millions of British citizens can now enjoy smokefree air indoors.
The CIEH played a major part in securing the legislation and is now working hard to ensure its effective implementation. With support from the Department of Health we have undertaken an extensive training programme for environmental health professionals in the enforcement of the legislation and, together with the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (Lacors) and the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) we have published guidance on the main elements of the legislation and on the many questions raised by the new measures.
We continue to provide advice and help to local authorities on the application of the legislation. We are also working within Smokefree Action to persuade the Government to adopt a comprehensive, well-funded tobacco control strategy to stop smoking overall from taking more lives.
One of our Smokefree Coalition Partners – Cancer Research UK – is currently running a campaign called ‘Out of Sight Out of Mind’ which is lobbying for greater controls on tobacco marketing. The campaign includes an online petition calling on the Government to do the following:
- close the loophole which allows tobacco to be displayed at the point of sale
- prohibit the sale of cigarettes from vending machines
- and make plain packaging for tobacco products compulsory
Further Information
Guidance from Lacors, the CIEH and TSI. March 2007
Guidance from The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. April 2007