Maidenhead & Windsor

Food and retail outlets in the Maidenhead Royal Borough are taking the initiative and stubbing out smoking before smokefree legislation comes into effect on July 1.

That’s the message from the Maidenhead council’s environmental health officers as they work with local businesses to prepare for the new legislation. From July 1, it will be illegal to light up in virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England.

And with World No Tobacco Day taking place on Thursday May 31, environmental health officers are keener than ever to encourage even more businesses to beat the deadline and go smokefree sooner in the Royal Borough.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Maidenhead environment, said: “There are overwhelming health and economic arguments for going smokefree. Legislation is still a month away but it would be in the interest of all businesses in the borough and their employees, visitors and clients to make the change sooner.

”There are many benefits forsociety by going smokefree but we know society has to change to accommodate this new law and we are here to help.”

Gillian Taylor, Maidenhead environmental health manager, added: “No Smoking signs have been mailed out to all businesses registered with Companies House and from July 1 it will be law for them to display the signs and ensure the smokefree rules are adhered to.

“But signs are already going up in businesses around Windsor, Maidenhead and Ascot and managers are taking the initiative to prevent smoking on their premises. We hope that many more businesses will follow their lead.”

At present Gillian and her team of Maidenhead environmental health officers are advising local businesses on what they need to do to prepare for the smokefree legislation. Once the legislation comes into effect it will be down to the officers to ensure local businesses comply with the law.

The legislation has been introduced, in large part, to reduce the impact of second-hand smoke, but Smokefree England, the national body co-ordinating the overall programme, says there are many other advantages. Other countries and cities that have introduced smokefree laws, such as Scotland, Wales, Ireland and New York, have seen an increase in trade in bars and restaurants, a dramatic improvement in air quality in these establishments, and a huge reduction in exposure to second-hand smoke by the public and, especially, bar and restaurant staff.

According to Smokefree England, many English pubs and restaurants that have already introduced voluntary smokefree policies have reported an increase in trade and profits. A survey for The Times, published in October 2006, found that among English pubs that have already banned smoking:

* profits have risen by an average of 50%
* food sales have risen by 80% on average
* nine out of 10 landlords reported that they were selling more food
* nearly half of landlords said drinks profits had increased by 37% on average, while a third said they had stayed the same.

Gillian pointed out further business benefits to going smokefree before the July 1 start date, including:

* giving the workforce the opportunity to get used to the smoking ban before it becomes law
* saving money – by protecting employees from second-hand smoke and helping current smokers to quit or cut down, sick days will be reduced, work-time smoking breaks stopped and there may be a reduction in cleaning and redecorating costs
* allowing businesses to take advantage of the NHS Stop Smoking Services, which provide workplace clinics for employees who want to give up. Demand could be high so by getting in now managers could avoid a waiting list.

Business owners can visit the Smokefree England website at www.smokefreeengland.co.uk for information and advice and to order signs, or can contact the borough’s customer service centre on 01628 683820.

Residents can visit www.berkshire.nhs.uk/smokefreeberkshire/areas/venues.asp or a list of smokefree venues in the Royal Borough.

Smokers who would like to quit can log on to the East Berkshire free stop smoking service website at www.smokefreeengland.co.uk

Cllr Rayner concluded: “Let’s work together to make this new legislation work within the Royal Borough.”

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead