Smoking ban good for bar staff

11:24am Wednesday 17th October 2007

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AN Andover club was one of many bars and restaurants tested as part of a national survey on the impact of the recent smoking ban.

The Wolversdene Club was tested along with 58 other outlets across England as part of a survey carried out by Cancer Research UK.

Its results show that employees' exposure to second-hand smoke has fallen by 95 per cent.

The survey is the first of its kind, and although the results are only early findings, they are indicating smoke-free legislation is having a positive effect on staff in bars and restaurants.

When they were tested in June, employees' exposure to second-hand smoke was equivalent to smoking 190 cigarettes a year, which dropped to around 44 cigarettes after 1 July.

Air quality also improved, as the research showed small particles in the air dropped from near hazardous levels in June to levels that are similar to outside air in August.

Jill Wilson, Smokefree adviser for the Andover and Winchester areas, said: "As we approach the winter months, it's important that businesses keep up the good work. We encourage smokers who have smoked outside during the summer to consider quitting with support from the Hampshire PCT Stop Smoking Service.

For advice on compliance and related issues, visit www.smokefreehampshire.co.uk.