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May 2015

Are outdoor smokefree spaces the next step in tackling tobacco?

There is a growing number of outdoor smokefree space initiatives which are designed to denormalise smoking in communities, protect the public from secondhand smoke and lead to reduced smoking rates.

Globally tobacco control pioneers are trialling and introducing smokefree spaces including Sydney, Canada, Philadelphia, New Zealand, New York City, Los Angeles and Paris. In the UK we have recently seen Bristol become the first city to ban smoking in some outdoor spaces which you can read more about here. Other areas in the UK are now looking to follow suit and create smokefree spaces such as Stoke Council.

TFF is looking into creating temporary smokefree outdoor spaces this summer in selected family-friendly areas across the North West. This follows on from successful work with smokefree spaces such as children's play areas across the region. By making spaces smokefree we are encouraging more healthy community spaces for everyone and gently reminding adults of the dangers of smoking by promoting and re-enforcing healthy behavior whilst also helping to reduce litter.

Tobacco control resources for new local members

Following local elections, there will be a number of new councillors and MPs who have little experience of tobacco control that may like to find out more to help them champion the health of the residents in their ward. There are many useful resoures that they can refer to including updated local tobacco control profiles from PHE, SFAC briefing on making the case for tobacco control, information on the local government and NHS tobacco declarations, ASH/CRUK report on the public health transition and the NCSCT briefing on the effectiveness of local services. ASH has also updated their Local Toolkit with updated briefings and the local data.

World No Tobacco Day: May 31st 2015

On 31st May, the World Health Organisation and partners will mark World No Tobacco Day which this year is calling on countries to work together to end the illicit trade of tobacco products. Read more by clicking here.

Survey suggests children as young as 10 'smoke before exams'

A survey of more than 1,000 children who took Sats tests last year found eight smoked on the morning of their tests. More than two thirds (68%) admitted feeling pressured at exam time. Read more here.

Map of countries looking to implement standardised tobacco packaging

The Framework Convention Alliance has published a map showing countries that are in the process of implementing standardised tobacco packaging. View the map by clicking here.

ACS calls for more ambitious targets on illicit tobacco

HMRC and The UK Border Force have released a new tobacco smuggling strategy; “Tackling illicit tobacco: From leaf to light”. The strategy highlights that revenue loss from illegal tobacco stands at £2.1 billion. ACS will be writing to HMRC ministers to offer support for the strategy and call for more ambitious targets. Read more here,

Smoking causes a third of all deaths in fires at home

Smoking is the single biggest killer in accidental fires in the home according to the government. Firefighters are urging smokers not to smoke in their home as part of a national initiative by the Government's Fire Kills campaign. If you want to find out how many smoking-related fires are in your area click here.

BAT implicated in cigarette smuggling in South Africa

A former South African Revenue Service spokesperson has claimed that evidence has emerged that British American Tobacco has been involved in cigarette smuggling. The claim is included in a document submitted to Parliament's Finance Portfolio Committee. This follows on from Imperial Tobacco being investigated for similar claims. Read more here.

Life expectancy increases but gap widens between rich and poor

A study carried out by researchers from Imperial College London and published in the The Lancet shows that life expectancy is rising and 90 years of age could become the norm in some affluent areas of the country by 2030. Part of this can be attributed to reduced differences in smoking prevalence. Read more here.

Editor's note

Hi , welcome to your May eNews.

It is really encouraging to see so many areas introducing smokefree outdoor spaces around the world, especially those leading the way in successful tobacco control measures such as New York city.

Looking at what is next for tobacco control, smokefree spaces can command popular support if used in the right way and are a great opportunity for us to provide healthy smokefree places to help us denormalise tobacco for young people within our communities.

Discussions to extend smokefree spaces across selected areas in the North West are currently underway, with the possibility of making events and areas temporarily smokefree this summer. I look forward to updating you as plans begin to take shape over the next couple of months.

Ian White, Project Manager: Communications and Marketing

Local News

Greater Manchester

Sniffer dogs uncover almost 60,000 illicit cigarettes and 43kg of hand rolling tobacco in Rochdale

Secondhand smoke campaign launched in Stockport

Cheshire and Merseyside

Halton firefighters back smoking awareness month

Lancashire

Preston shop manager fined over ‘under the counter’ tobacco

Cumbria

Removal of cigarettes from display is welcomed by Cumbria's Public Health Chief

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