A good excuse to stub it out

4:48pm Monday 12th March 2007

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SMOKERS are being encouraged to use Wednesday's No Smoking Day to help them quit the habit ahead of the national ban.

The Health Act 2006 comes into force on July 1 and will make it illegal to smoke in any enclosed public place. This includes pubs, restaurants, public transport vehicles and indoor work places.

A joint initiative from Redbridge Council and Redbridge Primary Care Trust will focus on No Smoking Day to help people prepare for the day.

Over 400 pubs are being encouraged to use Wednesday as a trial smoke-free day to see how the ban would work, and over 50 have decided to implement the ban permanently from that date.

Redbridge Council's cabinet member for community safety and environment Cllr Mark Aaron said the council is preparing the ground for a completely smoke-free environment.

He said: "Contrary to recent national media reports and concern over enforcement of the law, Redbridge Council will not be sending out anti-smoking police' to spy on pubs.

"The council's approach will be to inform, guide and advise before any legal action is considered.

"However, persistent offenders will feel the full weight of the law."

Maria Ioannidou of Redbridge PCT Smoking Cessation Team said there are a number of schemes for those looking to quit.

"There is one-to-one support available in any pharmacy in Redbridge," she said.

"Quitters can get information and advice from a specialist advisor. They can also get the anti-smoking drug Zyban on prescription.

"Meetings are then once a week for 20 to 30 minutes and include a carbon monoxide reading.

"Group sessions run weekly for seven weeks and allow smokers to share their experiences and strategies for quitting."

Contact the Redbridge PCT Smoking Cessation Team on 8926 5275 or visit stop-smoking@redbridge-pct.nhs.uk