Volunteers push no smoking message

(CNS): Over 150 No Smoking’ signs were given out to local businesses last week when a volunteer group headed by the Public Health Department put the writing on the wall regarding smoking in public places. The World No Tobacco Day (31 May) initiative aimed to get more businesses to comply with the Tobacco Law which requires prominently-displayed ‘No Smoking’ signs to be mounted in all public places. These include beauty salons and barber shops, laundromats, enclosed bars, restaurants and pool halls, as well as shops, shopping centres, restrooms and transportation terminals.

Health Promotions Officer Therese Prehay said the response was very good, people were appreciative and no-one denied taking the signs. “We will continue our ‘No Smoking’ sign distribution over the next few weeks,” she added.

Minister of Health commended the volunteers and businesses already in compliance as he pointed out that all enclosed public places, including work places, parks, indoor bars and restaurants must be 100 % smoke free.

“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the business community in complying with this legislation,” Mark Scotland said. “The bottom line is that smoking extracts a heavy toll on the heart and lungs and imposes huge long-term costs. Curbing smoking in public places at least cuts down on dangerous second-hand smoke and that is an important step forward.”