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Italians Enjoy Smokefree Workplaces - Drop in Cigarette Sales Highlights Smokers Desire to Quit
By Derval Keenan, 6/1/2005 12:20:39 PM
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Cigarette sales in Italy, the latest country to embrace the introduction of healthy smokefree workplaces, have dropped by nearly a quarter in less than 15 days since the new legislation came into force.
Italian health officials say that smoking causes 90,000 deaths per year and the majority, three quarters of Italians, support the new legislation.
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) said, ?“The recent announcement from the Italian Tobacconists?’ Association that cigarette vendors are seeing their profits fall drastically, highlights that people in Italy are complying with the new smokefree workplace legislation.
?“We have witnessed the overwhelming public support for healthy smokefree workplaces in the Republic of Ireland, as smokers and non-smokers alike are reaping the benefits with one in five smokers now choosing not to smoke at all during their night out and more non-smokers are now socialising in pubs and restaurants.
?“Most smokers tell the Ulster Cancer Foundation they want to quit and will do so in great numbers if we provide them with smokefree environments to work and socialise in.
?“Recent research shows that the majority of people in Northern Ireland want their workplace to be smokefree. This includes smokers as well as non-smokers, employers and employees, especially bar staff who have no choice but to breathe in other peoples smoke.?”
The bold and successful actions, taken by our European colleagues in the Republic, Scotland and Italy have been influential and tremendously helpful in UCF?’s campaigning to introduce smokefree workplaces in Northern Ireland.
Gerry continued, ?“The NIO, Secretary of State and Health Minister must act decisively in introducing laws that will protect the health of employees and customers from cancer causing substances in the workplace.
UCF are continuing to work with local politicians and the general public to ensure that legislation for Northern Ireland will be comprehensive and will protect the health of all employees.
If you would like a copy of UCF?’s leaflet ?‘For a Smoke-free Environment - Passive smoking damages your health?’ please call 028 9049 2007 or for further information on UCF?’s smoking cessation services call our confidential freefone helpline 0800 783 33 39.
-ends-
For further information please contact:
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, Ulster Cancer Foundation on
028 9049 2007 / 07880 504577
or
Derval Keenan, PR Officer, Ulster Cancer Foundation on
028 9049 2007 / 07812 525531
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