HEALTH campaigners in Warrington have welcomed a vote by MPs to ban cigarettes and tobacco from being on show in shops and to remove all cigarette vending machines.
The vote, part of the Health Bill 2009, will forbid any “point of sale” tobacco displays in all large and small shops in a bid to reduce the number of children and young people taking up smoking.
NHS Warrington chief executive Andrew Burgess (pictured) said: “On average, 325 people die each year in Warrington as a direct result of smoking. However, research has shown that smokers are four times more likely to quit using the Warrington PCT Stop Smoking Service than using willpower alone. Last year 781 people became smoke free with our help.”
With 80 per cent of smokers starting before the age of 19, 10 per cent of young people in the North West admitting to regularly buying cigarettes from vending machines and 46 per cent of UK teens aware of tobacco point of sale marketing, it is hoped the measure will reduce illness and early death from smoking related disease.
Warrington Community Services Unit offers a stop smoking programme providing all the support needed to become smoke free. This service includes group and one to one sessions, an out of hours and pharmacy based service and smoking and pregnancy support.
For further information and practical advice contact The Stop Smoking Service: Telephone: 01925 843713
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.warrington-pct.nhs.uk
Tobacco ban welcomed
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
1 Comment
not a problem with this one despite being a lapsed ex smoker?
only problem is that people who work behind the counter would have to go to wherever the cigarettes are stored possibly leaving the counter unattended or if they are stored under the counter then having to dip down leaving the shop open to any shoplifting gangs that have the nous to ask fro ciggies.
and no i do not have a criminal background just concerns of people whom i have worked with at various retail outlets.
all they have to do next is the same for alcoholic beverages which will stop the under-age drinking. yeah right