Freedom2Choose Calls For Urgent Smoking Ban Review

June 27, 2008 - Press Dispensary - On the first anniversary of the smoking ban in England, Freedom2Choose
(http://www.freedom2choose.info ) today calls for an urgent review of the law. In just one year, the blanket ban is already causing devastation to all sectors of the hospitality industry, while offering no benefit to public health.

In an open letter to MP's*, the not-for-profit organisation highlights the record rate of pub closures following the smoking ban, while many working men’s clubs and bingo halls are struggling to survive. Britain's smokers, especially the elderly and infirm, are having their social lives ruined as a direct result of the ban.

Freedom2Choose chairman, Colin Grainger, comments: "We believe that it is not only possible but crucial to any free nation to cater for minorities, however large or small they are, in a way that does not compromise the comfort or enjoyment of others. Contrary to popular belief, the case against second hand smoke is far from proven. Five out of every six scientific studies have failed to find any ill effects whatsoever resulting from passive smoking."

Freedom2Choose is lobbying for an amendment to the blanket ban to permit smoking in venues with inexpensive managed air quality.

Mr Grainger continues: "While we realise that there can be no real harm caused by second hand smoke, we do recognise the need for comfort for all people within a venue that allows smoking. Modern air management systems are proven to remove 99.97% of airborne particulate matter, and will make the air inside a pub full of smokers cleaner than the air outside. Our solution restores much needed choice to business owners, workers and customers, whether they are smokers or non-smokers, with no accompanying risk to public health."

The Freedom2Choose survey** found that a majority of pubs were suffering loss of trade since last July and wanted the blanket ban to end. The group campaigns to dispel the myths and propaganda surrounding smoking bans. Citing evidence from other countries, the group points out that blanket bans do not reduce active smoking, which has increased in Ireland from 27% to 29% since the ban was introduced***. Also the resulting social isolation due to closure of rural pubs, at particular risk from the ban, is held to be responsible for an increase in suicides in Ireland, especially amongst the elderly. Over 1000 rural pubs have closed in Ireland in the last three years****.

Mr Grainger urges: "Full consideration must be given to reasonable alternatives to the blanket smoking ban if a similar fate is to be avoided for communities and businesses in Britain."

Sources:
* http://www.freedom2choose.info/docs/mp.pdf
** http://www.freedom2choose.info/docs/tsgv1.pdf
***http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0429/breaking65.htm
**** http://www.barkeeper.ie/News_Item.asp?News_ID=1247

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Notes for editors
Freedom2Choose welcomes media enquiries and invitations for comment or interview relating to all aspects of smoking bans, including, but not limited to, the impact on business and communities, the scientific basis for smoking bans, human rights and political issues and alternatives to blanket bans.

For further information, please contact:
Caroline Freeman, communications and press officer , Freedom2Choose.info
Tel: 07747 150184
Email:
Site: www.freedom2choose.info/press_office.php