Ierland bereidt zich voor op algemeen rookverbod
Een kliklijn moet de invoering van het algemene rookverbod in Ierland, dat 29 maart ingaat, gaan ondersteunen. In de komende weken moeten grootscheepse propaganda campagnes in de media het er bij het publiek gaan inhameren dat omgevingsrook heel slecht is en dat de minister van Volksgezondheid een weldoener is die velen véél gelukkiger zal gaan maken.
Ondertussen ziet de Ierse horeca de datum met afschuw tegemoet. Maar volgens de Ierse minister zijn de Ieren een net volkje dat zich zeker goed aan de wet zal houden…..
Smoking Hotline Set Up to Help Enforce Ban
A new complaints hotline is to be set up to ensure the forthcoming smoking ban in workplaces across Ireland is properly enforced, it emerged tonight.
The Office of Tobacco Control warned the call-line would be introduced as Health Minister Micheal Martin launched a major advertising campaign to highlight the ban.
A combination of television and radio ads will aim to show the harm caused by second-hand tobacco smoke and to make people aware of the ban’s starting date of March 29.
Mr Martin said the campaign would build awareness of the impending legislation and explain the underlying health evidence for the measure.
“Since the announcement that I would be introducing a ban on the smoking of tobacco products in the workplace just over a year ago, there has widespread support and acceptance of the need for this measure across all sectors,” he said.
“My primary concern now is to ensure that relevant, practical information and guidance are readily available and accessible to all those who will be implementing this significant new public health measure.
“The material being made available by the Office of Tobacco Control will be helpful to all sectors, but particularly relevant to the hospitality sector and the licensed trade.”
Some hoteliers and pub owners have resisted the imposition of the ban and have claimed it could seriously affect their business.
However, Mr Martin said the ban was being imposed for the good of all.
“Most people have made up their minds on the issue and rightly expect that Government will take the steps necessary to deal with the problem,” he said.
“Health and quality of life issues are important to people in their place of work. The bottom line is that regular exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke, in enclosed workplaces, is a cause of ill health, which is actually preventable.
“Most people are law abiding and responsible and I am confident that the vast majority of employers, employees and the public will respect the new measure.”
Mr Martin said he was confident the ban would provide a positive health legacy.
“Ensuring that workplaces are a clean, safe environment, free of tobacco smoke, will make a significant contribution to the health and quality of life of our population and for future generations,” he added.
Bron: Scotsman.com
