Smokefree South West – Three months on

97 per cent of premises in region compliant

97 per cent of premises inspected in the South West are now smokefree as required by law, according to statistics published by the Department of Health.

These figures coincide with the publication of a national report which marks the three month point from the introduction of the smokefree regulations and summarises the positive effects that a smokefree England has had on the public and businesses in the region.

Dr Gabriel Scally, Regional Director of Public Health at NHS South West said:

“Congratulations to employers, restaurateurs, publicans and others who have made the South West smokefree. These figures show that the introduction of smokefree workplaces and public places has run smoothly and that people in the South West are enjoying a healthier atmosphere in all workplaces including pubs and clubs.”

“32,410 inspections took place across the South West in hotels, bingo halls, cafes, pubs and restaurants and I am pleased to say that 97 per cent of premises were found to be smokefree. This is a 3 per cent increase from July 2007 where 94 per cent of premises in the region complied to the new law.

“Although compliance is on the increase, we want all premises to be smokefree, ensuring that we protect both the public and staff from secondhand smoke resulting in many lives being saved from secondhand smoke-related illness. This is the biggest improvement in public health for a generation”

James Barrah Head of Environmental Health at Taunton Deane Borough Council and member of the South West Regional Tobacco Control Strategy Group said:

"Local Authorities are continuing to work closely with businesses to assist them in complying with the law. Since 1 st July 2007, enforcement authorities have issued 798 written warnings nationally in relation to premises or vehicles where there is failure to prevent smoking in a smokefree area, 96 of these have been in the South West. However overall the level of compliance in the South West region is really encouraging".

The report, published today by the Department of Health highlights that the public are pleased with a better atmosphere and cleaner air.

When surveyed, the top three benefits people had noticed since England became smokefree were:

1) Clothes and hair not smelling of smoke after visiting a pub or club

2) More pleasant or better atmosphere in pubs/clubs and/or restaurants

3) Cleaner air

Research found high levels of support for smokefree by both the general public and from businesses. Three quarters of adults support the law and 79 per cent believe it will have a positive effect on public health. A greater proportion of smokers (47%) support the new law than oppose it (37%).