North East smoke-free body slams smoking proposals

Fresh, the campaign for a Smoke Free North East, has slammed government proposals for a ban on smoking in places with food.

The group says that Sedgefield, in the Prime Minister's constituency, suffers from the highest lung cancer death rates in the North East - yet under government proposals for smoke free workplaces half of pubs and private clubs in the area will be free to allow smoking on their premises as they don't serve food.

Latest estimates from the group suggest that eight out of ten pubs and bars in the area of Easington will be allowed to continue to allow smoking while almost half of bars in Newcastle, will be exempt from the legislation.

Fresh believes the only answer is a total ban in all public places - and that includes pubs and bars.

"Second hand smoke kills, even the Government accepts that," said Ailsa Rutter, acting director of Fresh.

"Studies show that bar workers are exposed to four to six times more second hand smoke than the average office worker. And we know that exposure to second hand smoke increases your risk of lung cancer by 24 per cent and heart disease by 25 per cent.

"Given that the North East suffers from the highest levels of lung cancer and heart disease in England, a total ban in all workplaces is the only logical step."

For more information on how to protect the health of all workers visit www.Freshne.com.