DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
News Release (2007/0104) issued by The Government News Network on 12
May 2007
A smoky atmosphere
is the single biggest reason for avoiding a pub or bar, according
to a survey published by the Department of Health today, which
also showed a high level of support for smokefree legislation.
And with only 50 days to go until smokefree England becomes a
reality, the Government is launching a national advertising
campaign to remind the public what the legislation will mean when
it comes in to force on Sunday 1 July.
The survey of 1700 adults shows that 36 per cent of people cite a
smoke-filled atmosphere as the main turn-off for going to a bar or
pub, with the type of people who frequent the venue coming in
second at 20 per cent. Over two thirds (67 per cent) of people
would rather spend the evening in a smokefree venue, than one
where smoking is allowed, and 91 per cent (including 83 per cent
of smokers) now consider lighting-up in a non-smoking place unacceptable.
Public Health Minister, Caroline Flint, said:
"With only 50 days to go until England goes smokefree our
aim is to ensure that everyone is aware of the new law, how it
will affect them and what they need to do to prepare. Our
snapshot survey shows that the majority of people know that
smokefree legislation is coming, but almost half the population
are not aware it comes into effect on 1 July.
"The campaign is a reminder to people of the date and gives
examples of the range of locations which will be smokefree. It
forms part of a comprehensive communications campaign to make sure
that businesses and individuals understand what action they need
to take.
"We are confident that with the support being provided by
the Department of Health and by local councils, everyone should be
ready in time."
The survey also reveals widespread support for the legislation.
Findings include:
93 per cent of the overall population are aware that smokefree
legislation is coming, however 45 per cent don't know that it
comes into force on 1 July 2007 71 per cent of regular pub-goers
support the legislation, as well as 76 per cent of the overall
population 68 per cent of the population say that the legislation
will not effect how often they go to the pub, 15 per cent say they
will go more often and only 7 per cent will go less often (10 per
cent were not pub-goers) 76 per cent of the population believe
that going smokefree will have a positive effect on health
The TV ad, which runs on national TV for the first time on the
evening of 14 May, shows an 'everyday' man walking
through a variety of locations, including a cafe, pub, garage and
office, which will all be required to be smokefree. He explains
that from 1 July smoking will no longer be allowed in enclosed and
substantially enclosed public places and workplaces. The ad
finishes outdoors, in a pub garden.
Recent research carried out amongst businesses, showed that 41
per cent of businesses in England do not realise that smoking
rooms will need to be closed and more than half (53 per cent) are
unaware that work vehicles will also be covered by the
legislation. The advertising forms part of a major campaign to
prepare businesses and the public for 1 July, including a
dedicated website and a mail-out of guidance to 1.7m businesses in England.
Notes to editors:
The consumer omnibus survey was carried out by ICM Research and
surveyed over 1700 members of the public between 18th and 26th
April 2007. The business omnibus surveys were carried out by
Continental Research and surveyed 1,141 business in England in
January and February 2007 The smokefree compliance guidance and
no-smoking signs can be found on-line at http://www.smokefreeengland.co.uk/resources
Summary of consumer omnibus findings:
A smokefree environment(omnibus survey carried out 18th-22nd
April 2007) 36 per cent of people said that a smoky atmosphere is
the single biggest reason that would discourage them from going to
a bar or pub (followed by the type of people that frequent the
venue at 20 per cent)
67 per cent of people said they would rather spend the evening in
a pub where smoking was not allowed 91 per centof people would
find someone lighting up in an non-smoking place unacceptable
(including 83 per cent of smokers)
Awareness of the legislation(omnibus survey carried out 20th-26th
April 2007)
93 per cent of the overall population are aware that smokefree
legislation is coming
45 per cent don't know the date when the legislation comes
into force (1 July 2007)
Support for the legislation(omnibus survey carried out 20th-26th
April 2007)
76 per cent of the population support the introduction of
smokefree legislation
87 per cent of non-smokers support the legislation
44 per cent of smokers support the legislation
71 per cent of regular pub goers support the legislation
Health benefits of the legislation(omnibus survey carried out
20th-26th April 2007)
76 per cent believe that going smokefree will have a positive
effect on health
50 per cent of smokers believe that going smokefree will have a
positive effect on health
Impact on pubs(omnibus survey carried out 20th-26th April 2007)
68 per cent of the population say that legislation will not
effect how often they go to the pub 15 per cent say they will go
to the pub more often
Impact on restaurants and cafes(omnibus survey carried out
20th-26th April 2007)
73 per cent of the overall population say that legislation will
not effect how often they go to restaurants and cafes
19 per cent say they will go to cafes and restaurants more often
[ENDS]