MPS urged to vote for total smoking ban

MPs urged to vote for total smoking ban

Unions and public health officers are urging MPs to back a total ban on smoking in public places, including pubs and clubs. The calls come after the government's decision last week to allow Labour MPs a free vote on the smoking ban proposals in the health Bill (Risks 239). The TUC has already called for a ban without exceptions. And last week GMB organiser Mick Ainsley, whose union organises casino workers, said: 'We are writing to all GMB sponsored MPs to remind them that the issue here is not about a smoker's individual choice, it is about the right of workers not to breathe in secondhand smoke.' He added: 'The vote in parliament will put to the test to what extent the smooth words of the new Tory leader will be translated in to effective action to enhance the health and safety of people who work in the leisure industry.' The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) is urging its members - which include the local authority environmental health officers that would be responsible for enforcing the legislation in leisure facilities - to use their lobbying power to convince MPs to vote for an outright ban on smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces.

• GMB news release. CIEH news release and advice note on lobbying.
• TUC smoking webpages. Hazards smoking news and resources.