Six weeks since the implementation of smokefree legislation, Huntingdonshire District Council reports that people across the district are very supportive of smokefree public places. Compliance with legislation is high.

Officers have visited hundreds of premises across Huntingdonshire to monitor the introduction of the legislation, which made enclosed public places and workplaces smokefree from 1 July.
 
Councillor Mrs Deborah Reynolds, executive councillor for housing and public health, said: “It is good to know that businesses are complying with this new legislation which is designed to protect people’s health.

“I have also had lots of positive feedback from people saying how  pleased they are about the new legislation and that it is creating such a better atmosphere in pubs in restaurants. One lady told me ‘it’s a joy to go out now.’”

Oliver Langford, smoke-free implementation officer for Huntingdonshire District Council said: “The legislation has been positively received in Huntingdonshire and our inspections since1 July have confirmed 100 per cent of premises are smoke free  with 83 per cent of businesses displaying the correct no smoking signs. These figures exceeds the average national compliance. The few premises that weren’t aware that they legally had to display signs were already smoke-free before the legislation came into force. They have all been supplied with the correct signage and are now compliant with the law”

Chris Lloyd , the council’s lifestyles manager said:” This is a promising start and supports the work we have done over the past six months preparing for the legislation.”

The introduction of this law successfully protects those who previously worked in smoky environments from the damaging health effects of second-hand smoke exposure. Breathing in second-hand smoke at work doubles a person’s chance of developing asthma as well as increasing their risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease. Smoke free environments have also prompted many people to quit smoking. Local NHS Stop Smoking Service, Camquit, has seen an increase in smokers wanting to use their service to stop smoking.

Claire Mead from Camquit said: “ We urge anyone who is thinking of quitting to use our service. Evidence shows that smokers are four times more likely to successfully stop smoking if they use a support service like ours combined with nicotine replacement therapy products such as patches”.

If you are thinking of quitting smoking or want to know about Camquit they can be contacted on Camquit Huntingdonshire 01480 41869 or visit the website using the link on the right.