Total smoking ban will save more lives

Voluntary and community groups in Northern Ireland, especially those promoting good health, welcome the smoking ban announced today by Mr Shaun Woodward, Health Minister. The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action totally agrees that justice requires a full ban; passive smoking kills and there is no case for allowing it to damage the health of workers and customers in pubs and restaurants.

A recent NICVA survey found that 85% of people working in charities want to ban the weed and end the harm and suffering caused by passive smoking in all premises to which the public has access.

At present 82% of voluntary and community organisations are leading the way by providing smoke free premises and 94% of those surveyed said a smoking ban would benefit both staff and volunteers.

"There is no reason why workers or customers should tolerate being killed off gradually with tobacco smoke. Smokers have the right to smoke but they should do so without harming others," said NICVA chief executive, Seamus Mc Aleavey.

"Almost 200 of NICVA's member organisations are involved in health issues so it is not surprising that our survey showed such high support for a ban. But I am worried that 18% of our members still permit smoking on their premises. I hope they will change long before the legal deadline of April 2007," he added.

For more information ring Paul Mc Gill at NICVA, 028 9087 7777; 0772 1746 805 (m).

Note for editors

The survey findings are reported in Viewfinder 4, one of a series of regular surveys of the voluntary and community sector.

Release date: Monday 17 October 2005