smoke-free firms' golden opportunity

Worthing Council will be one of the first local authorities in Sussex to launch the Tobacco Control project, which could see businesses given gold or silver awards, depending on whether they allow smoking or not.

Health managers and council bosses have teamed up to promote the initiative.

Dr Farhang Tahzib, director of public health for Adur, Arun and Worthing Primary Care Trust, said: "We estimate that smoking causes 300 deaths a year in Worthing."

"A recent consultation has shown that most local people do not want to be exposed to second-hand smoke when they go out for a meal or a drink. Also, it is preferable for staff in restaurants and pubs not to have to breathe tobacco smoke in their workplace.

"Most smokers would like to quit, and smoke-free environments will help them. This award scheme has been developed alongside a range of measures to reduce levels of smoking in our community, including GP-based smoking cessation services, education for young people and additional support for mothers who smoke."

Earlier this year, the council banned smoking in the town's theatres and a recent survey carried out by the local health trust revealed more than 80 per cent of the people questioned wanted to see a complete ban on smoking in public places.

Haydn Smith, assistant director of health and housing services at Worthing Council, told the Herald: "Nationally, an award scheme is being introduced, which involves gold and silver awards. Silver awards are given to places which have smoke-free areas and gold, of course, are given to places which are completely smoke-free.

"We are not sure what the awards will be in Worthing yet but it is likely they will be the same.

"We are not just talking about council premises; this is all buildings in the town, including pubs and clubs.

"This is something that a lot of other councils are considering, but Worthing is leading the way with this scheme in Sussex."

He said the council's environmental health department would maintain and publicise a list of premises with a smoke-free award.

George Stephens, Tory councillor for the environment, said: "National surveys have shown that a large majority of the population feels that improvements are needed to control or alleviate the effects of tobacco smoke in public places. The majority of smokers also feel control should be introduced."