Sharp intake of breath as 99% of smokers respect the ban

AFTER just 3 months of smokefree public places in England, research published by ASH (Action on Smoking & Health), Asthma UK and the British Thoracic Society shows 97% of smokers are respecting the ban fully or quitting smoking completely, leaving the rest of us to breathe a sigh of relief.  73% of adults say the new law has been good for their health. England’s 3.5 million adults living with asthma have most to celebrate, with 43% reporting that they are less worried about having an asthma attack when in enclosed public places and 51% reporting that they are more able to go out to pubs since England went smokefree on 1 July. Meanwhile, smokers with asthma are quitting faster than the rest of the population (17% of people with asthma, versus 12% of the general population have attempted to quit since 1 July).

Eddie Connor, 33, who suffers from asthma, commented on the report:- “This law has been a total breath of fresh air. It’s meant I can go to the pub more often and without the usual choking on someone else’s cigarette smoke. It’s also great to eat out at a restaurant without having the equivalent of an after-dinner cigarette with my meal. Since 1 July, it seems like the majority of people are more considerate towards others before lighting up.”

Government inspections have already shown high levels of compliance in bars and restaurants but this is the first survey to ask smokers if they have flouted the law. 97% of smokers who have been in a pub in the last month have not smoked in a pub since July 1 and 2% have done so only once This is supported by reports from pub goers in general, with 86% saying they have not seen anybody smoke in a bar since the law came into force.  The study shows that large numbers of smokers have either attempted to quit or quit successfully since 1 July or in the 6 months running up to it. While a minority of smokers have been to their GP (12%) or used NHS services (10%) to help them kick the habit, only 34% quitters used the drug therapies (such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy), which have been shown to double your chance of quitting successfully.

Although awareness of the harm 2nd hand smoke causes to adults was high, few appeared to be aware of the risk of sudden infant death. 2nd hand smoke is a major factor in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome yet when we asked people about the harmful effects of 2nd hand smoke, not 1 of the 1,532 people interviewed mentioned it. When we prompted them, only 30% of smokers believed cigarette smoke had "some impact" or "a big impact" on cot death.

Report author Martin Dockrell said:- "As we expected, more people are going out to pubs and restaurants and many smokers are quitting. It’s really encouraging to see almost all smokers respecting the law. However some areas may be having particular difficulties and their enforcement officers will have to re-double their efforts.  We had thought that the public might have had enough of tobacco control but there is even support for further measures, for example 72% of the population want to see a requirement that cigarettes are designed to go out if they are left burning without being smoked.”

While the ban has prompted quitters and a more smoke free environment, awareness of the health risks of second hand smoke is still worryingly low. Only 26% of people suggested 2nd hand smoke could contribute to heart disease; with only 30% and 38% suggesting it contributes to lung cancer and asthma, respectively.

Professor John Macfarlane, Chairman of the British Thoracic Society, said:- “This research shows how effective the smoking ban is in helping to reduce the number of smokers and the number of people exposed to second hand smoke; however it’s clear more needs to be done to raise awareness of the effects of second smoke on asthma, lung cancer, COPD and heart disease. Cigarette smoke remains the number one contributor to these conditions.”

Neil Churchill, Chief Executive of Asthma UK, added:- “3 months on from 1 July, people with asthma are already reaping the massive benefits of this law in terms of their health and social lives. More than a 3rd say they are a great deal less exposed to 2nd-hand smoke as they go about their day-to-day lives.  It’s also encouraging to hear that the three quarters of a million smokers with asthma are kicking the habit faster than the rest of the population, showing that they are taking their health seriously and doing something about it. It seems smokers and non-smokers are in agreement - smokefree law is good news for everyone.”

A general population survey was conducted with 1532 adults aged 18+ in England and an additional survey of 1025 adults aged 18+ with asthma in England was conducted. Fieldwork was carried out online by YouGov between the 22 August 2007 and 28 of August 2007.

ENTREPRENEUR CLEANS UP SOUTHPORT

ENTREPRENEUR Nigel Eden is aiming to clean up the North West after launching a new professional oven valeting business in Southport.  Nigel, 44, will deliver his environmentally-friendly oven valeting service to homes throughout Southport, Formby, Birkdale, Ainsdale, Parbold, Skelmersdale and the surrounding areas.

Ovenu’s valeting process is popular with householders across the UK, taking the pain out of one of the most hated and neglected chores. Since 1994 Ovenu’s network of over 100 franchisees have cleaned more than one million ovens, microwaves, and barbeques.  Its valeting service involves dismantling key components of an oven such as the door, interior panels, fan and shelves and placing them into design-registered equipment, which uses non-caustic products to clean the oven parts. The whole process takes around three hours and leaves the oven, hob and exterior in immaculate condition.

Nigel, who became an entrepreneur at the age of 21, has always worked as his own boss. With over 20 years experience in the leisure industry, Nigel moves to Ovenu with the intention of building up the business in the region. Initially planning on working alone, Nigel has already seen a breathtaking response and needs to employ more members of staff in the near future.

Nigel said:- “The interaction with customers has always been the best part of running my own business. Launching Ovenu will still allow me to work closely with my customers, but have a more structured approach to running the business.  Operating Ovenu in Southport will still allow me to be my own boss, but with the support and experience of an established and respected business. I am looking forward to getting out into the region and establishing my new business venture.”

Rik Hellewell, Managing Director of Ovenu, said:- “Nigel has good experience of running a people focused business, which puts him in an ideal position to become an Ovenu franchisee. He is bringing a service to Southport and surrounding areas that will help people that do not have the time for loathed chores like cleaning the oven.”

For more information about the Ovenu service or to book a professional oven valet call 0870 880 1222 or log onto www.ovenu.co.uk.

British Musical Fireworks Championships

WITNESS the pyrotechnic wizardry at this year's British Musical Fireworks Championships, 5 October to 7 October 2007, Kings Gardens, Southport. The displays will combined sound and sincronised fireing to dazzel onlookers. This year Southport will be welcoming six of the UK's finest fireworks companies to compete in the 2007 Championships, with two displays at 8.15pm and 8.45pm each evening, preceded by "Lake of Dreams" at 7.30pm with a new pyro-musical presentation by previous Championship winners and British Fireworks "Champion of Champions" - Jubilee Fireworks.

Gates open at 7.00pm each evening. To avoid disappointment and the queues, tickets are available in advance from Southport's Tourist Information Centre and selected other outlets.