Smoke free Surrey town?
Campaigners are aiming to turn a Surrey town completely smoke-free ahead of next year's smoke ban.
Smoke Free Guildford has been launched in Guildford town centre.
The campaign aims to promote the business benefits of getting a smoke free policy ahead of the laws which are expected to come into force in summer 2007.
Ruth Milton, Chair of the Local Strategic Partnership said: "There are lots of business as well as health benefits in going smoke free. In Ireland the ban has been a huge success. There is already big support for it locally and we're encouraging people to take advantage of the free advice available to help plan for the changes. Experience shows that planning ahead is much better for business."
According to campaigners:* More than 9 out of 10 people in Surrey want public spaces to become smoke free* Over 34% of local people said they would use restaurants and cafes more if they were smoke free* 35% of local people said they would use pubs, clubs and bars more if they were smoke free.
However, the move is unlikely to go down well with Guildford licensees.
More information is available at www.smokefreeguildford.com
A leaflet is also being sent to local businesses for a copy ring 01483 444335.
Your CommentsRobert Feal-Martinez 10/03/2006 via email
"Smoke Free Guilford.
1. 200 Pubs Closed2. 7000 jobs lost3. Rural/Community pub sales down 25%4. Tobacco sales up 7%5. Increasing numbers of children admitted to hospital due to breathing problems
If this indicates a success in Ireland, I would hate to know what a failure would be."David Cheetham via email 09/03/06 4:15pm
"35% said they would go to pubs more if a smoking ban was introduced. Does that mean that 65% would go to pubs less ?"Liz Barber via email 09/03/06
"Note the words - smoke free public areas - missing word 'enclosed'? Outside bans comming to Guilford I think."
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