SmokeFree London Forum
Reducing the harm caused by tobacco to the health of Londoners
Terms of reference PDF
Terms of reference RTF
SmokeFree London Forum activities include:
- Building links with and influencing agencies whose policy, legislative or regulatory remit can impact on the use of tobacco.
- Providing the reference group for the SmokeFree London group and building on the success of the Commission's Big Smoke Debate initiative.
- Encouraging partner organisations to take decisive action to protect the health of their clients and staff from tobacco smoke - see Challenge 2
This forum is chaired by Stephen Burke, former Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council. The forum is supported by the SmokeFree London team, based at the Regional Public Health Group.
Organisations represented include the Trades Union Congress, the Prison Service and the Muslim Health Network.
The Regional Public Health Group provides policy and practical support and funds the forum's work along with the London NHS.
Smokefree legislation
1 July 2007 saw the introduction of the smokefree legislation. A specially branded bus that ran throughout the city was part of a three-month campaign to encorage people not to smoke.
The bus made its final stop of the campaign on 25 June at Trafalgar Square. Caroline Flint, Minister of State for Public Health was unable to join us as her train was delayed due to flooding.
The bus has been running on Route 137 from Crysal Palace to Oxford Circus from 21st March and when it is not in full, regular service, it has been a resource point for information for Londoners, and a market research post for securing comments, opinions and views from the capital's residents.
Our research shows:
- Almost two thirds (65%) of Londoners currently either avoid smoky pubs, clubs and bars and would prefer them to be smokefree
- Half of London's non-smokers (50%) say they will visit places they have previously avoided because they were too smoky
- Almost two thirds (61%) of London's non-smokers and almost half (49%) of all Londoners are glad they won't have to wash their hair or change their clothes to remove the smell of smoke!
- Over two thirds (69%) of smokers surveyed said that after the legislation comes into force on 1st July they will either try to cut down or give up smoking.
New law from 1 July 2007
The legislation being introduced on 1st July will mean virtually all work and public places will become smokefree. Many employers and workers in and around London are already aware of the legislation and have begun implementing measures to gear up for it. SmokeFree London aims to support and provide advice for those who need to make the necessary changes in order to comply with the new legislation to ensure that the transition to smokefree runs as smoothly as possible.
Visit the SmokeFree London website to access more information on the new legislation and support materials to help with implementation.
