PCT helps pubs and clubs work towards smoke freedom

A year since smoking on Primary Care Trust (PCT) premises was banned sees the introduction of new national legislation that means smoking in public places will also be forbidden - all workplaces, including restaurants and pubs selling food, will have to have a ban in place by summer 2007.

The PCT and Rochdale Council have been busy helping restaurants, pubs and clubs in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale prepare to become smoke free establishments.

Smoke Free Teams have been working in preparation for the new legislation implementing Rochdale’s 'Smoke Free Borough Strategy' by promoting smoke freedom to employers, schools and individual homes.

Sheila Will, Public Health Director for Rochdale Borough said: “In partnership with the Council, we have been working towards smoke freedom in Rochdale Borough for a considerable amount of time before this legislation was passed. We recognise that the hospitality trade is going to be the industry most affected and therefore we have produced a Smoke Free Rochdale Borough workplace Toolkit – a practical guide to help businesses become smoke free.

“We have been presenting to the Pubs and Clubs Committee across each township explaining how the new legislation is likely to affect them, making businesses clear about the rules and giving practical tips on how to become Smokefree by summer 2007.

“Smoking is the leading cause of premature death and avoidable illness in the borough. I welcome the ban as the single most important step the government could take to protect the public’s health. Smoke free environments not only prevents non smokers from being exposed to smoke but also make it easier for those who do smoke by reducing the temptations caused by smokey atmospheres.”

A new dedicated Healthy Workplaces Advisor is on hand to advise and recommend how workplaces across the borough can keep their employees fit and healthy. He is currently working with local business owners encouraging them to implement healthy workplace strategies promoting, healthy eating, physical activity, mental well being and stopping smoking.

For your copy of the Smokefree Rochdale Borough Workplace Toolkit please contact Lisa Barker on 01706 517616 or 01706 924638.

For help in stopping smoking contact TASK, Stop Smoking Service on 01706 708001, alternatively pop into your nearest pharmacy for free and confidential stop smoking advice.