Dentistry News | Dental Jobs | Dentist Forum | CPD Education
Dental news |
 |
RSS Feed | View by: Most Recent | Most Popular | Most Discussed |
Smoking vote is wonderful news!
3rd Mar 2006
Dental groups and health campaigners up and down the country have welcomed a vote paving the way for a ban on smoking in all pubs, clubs and restaurants in England from the summer of 2007. Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said: ‘This is wonderful news. The Foundation has spent much of the last year campaigning for a full smoking ban. In the run-up to the vote we issued a letter to all MP's urging them to use their vote for the good of the nation and, from the overwhelmingly positive response, we knew that a full ban was a real possibility. ‘However, we are delighted to have it confirmed. This represents real progress in the battle against mouth cancer and other general and oral health conditions, and we look forward to living in a healthier Britain.’ The BDA also supported the ban: ‘We back the ban on smoking in public places and support measures that encourage smokers to quit. Tobacco can seriously affect both oral and general health, and we believe dentists can play an important role in helping people give up smoking.’ Meanwhile, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Prof Alex Markham welcomed the news, calling it ‘the most important advance in public health since Sir Richard Doll identified that smoking causes lung cancer 50 years ago.’ MPs voted by a margin of 200 votes for a ban on smoking in all enclosed public spaces, despite months of wrangling over the issue, but opponents say the ban is an infringement of civil liberties. Labour MPs were given a free vote amid fears they could rebel against plans to exempt private clubs and non-food pubs. The total ban will include all enclosed areas except private homes, residential care homes, hospitals, prisons and hotel bedrooms. This follows the news last week, of the launch of the NHS national Stop Smoking advertising campaign. The hard-hitting campaign – which features a tragic real-life situation – will appear on TV, radio and in the national press. The Big Quit, a five-week local radio promotion, will further support the campaign, with radio stations across the country teaming up with their local NHS ‘Stop Smoking’ services to support the launch. Cancer Research UK will continue to campaign as the bill goes through the House of Lords.
Rate this story
Comments
