Children back NI smoking ban, says report

An overwhelming number of children in Northern Ireland support a ban on smoking, a new report revealed today.

A survey carried out by an educational website found that almost 85% of kids between 11 and 16 believed smoking should be banned in public places.

The study by Letts Educational follows last month’s announcement by the British government that it was to consider following the lead of the Irish Government in bringing in a ban on lighting up in public places.

Peter Stafford of Letts Educational said: “It seems that today’s kids are clued up on the dangers of smoking and the harm it can do to not only themselves, but to the people around them.”

Last month, Health Minister Angela Smith said members of the public would be asked if the North should follow the Republic’s ban on smoking in bars, restaurants and workplaces.

The minister said the public would be consulted about three possible strategies to deal with the dangers of second-hand smoke.

Her comments were made at the launch of a 20 year strategy for improving health.

These were:

:: A ban on smoking in public places and workplaces.

:: Outlawing smoking in most enclosed public places but allowing smoking in pubs and bars which do not prepare and serve food.

:: Building on the existing policy of encouraging people to stop smoking through public awareness campaigns and supporting companies who provide self-regulated smoke-free areas.

Last month Belfast city councillors passed a motion calling on the British government to introduce a province-wide ban.

The British Medical Association and the Ulster Cancer Foundation have also called for a ban in the province.

The consultation on the British government’s health and social services strategy for Northern Ireland is due to end on March 25.