Space to Breathe

The legislation will come into effect on 30 April 2007 and will mean that smoking will no longer be permitted in enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and work places.

An all-media publicity campaign for the smoking ban

The campaign has been developed by the Health Promotion Agency on behalf of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. It includes:-

• A new TV advertisement
• A new radio advertisement
• A website – www.spacetobreathe.org.uk
• A public information leaflet

Launching the campaign, the minister said

The minister is enthusiastic about the programme of publicity

The ‘Space to Breathe’ campaign provides a host of useful information including the effects of second hand smoke, general guidance on the smoke-free legislation and advice on smoking cessation services. The minister was keen to encourage as many people as possible to familiarise themselves with what this legislation will actually mean in practice. He was clear that succesfull implementation of the will require everyone’s co-operation.

Guidance promised for the business community

Mr Goggins also promised guidance for the business community. He said: “Prior to the changes coming into effect, a comprehensive guidance pack will be provided to the business community. A team of 10 Environmental Health Officers have already started working with the business sector. They will visit business premises, and provide seminars and other materials to help them comply with the new law.”

The Health Minister concluded: “This is an exciting development in Northern Ireland. The smoke-free legislation will enable people to go about their business and leisure pursuits free from the risk of being exposed to damaging second hand smoke – it will provide ‘Space to Breathe’ for everyone!”