Dr Brian Iddon MP welcomes a Smoke-Free Bolton from 1st July

A little over a year ago Dr Iddon was amongst Labour MPs who voted to ban smoking in public places and today he sort to raise awareness of the impending ban, due to begin on 1^st July. 

Dr Iddon said,

“The activity of the Government, both in working to ban smoking but also in making sure that people have the support they need to quit the habit is an illustration of Labour’s commitment to tackle the ill-health that is caused by this addiction.” 

From 1 July this year smoking will be banned in all enclosed public places in Bolton. Places like pubs, clubs and restaurants will all be smoke free meaning that a night out will not leave you smelling of other peoples cigarette smoke. More importantly it is great news because of the massive effect a ban will have on people's health – it will save thousands of lives and protect millions of workers from second hand smoke.

Currently a quarter of all adults in the UK smoke and every year nearly 120,000 people die because of smoking related illnesses - 33,000 deaths are caused by lung cancer. Life expectancy for a long-term smoker is on average about a decade shorter than a non smoker. 

Dr Iddon continued,

“By giving up, smokers will not only be improving their own health, but also the health of those around them.  Exposure to second hand smoke increases heart disease and lung cancer by around a quarter. That's why we need the ban in enclosed public places.  Remember that many people have to face the health risk  of second hand smoke just by turning up to work.

Although some people disagree about the need for a ban the Government are trying to do their best to make the country healthier, by both banning and smoking and ensuring that help is there for the smokers who wish to break the habit”

1. From 1 July restaurants, cinemas, public transport, offices, factories and shops will have to be smoke free. 

2. Local NHS Stop Smoking Services - to find your local service, call the NHS Smoking Helpline free on 0800 169 0 169, visit gosmokefree.co.uk, text 'GIVEUP' and your full postcode to 88088 or ask at your local GP practice, pharmacy or hospital.