Health and Adult Services Forum
Smokefree London Item no: 8
Report by: Mark Brangwyn Job title: Head of Health and Social Care
Date: 18 July 2007
Contact Valerie Solomon
Officer:
Email:
Telephone: 020 7934 9507 Valerie.Solomon@londoncouncils.gov
.uk
Summary The legislation to ban smoking in enclosed public places started on 1
July 2007. This report informs Members of the implications of the
legislation and the activities of London boroughs to implement the
legislation and raise awareness amongst the public and business
community. These best practice examples are featured in Appendix 1
of this report.
Recommendations Members are recommended to note the report.
Background
1. The Government’s White Paper ‘Choosing Health: Making Healthy Choices’
published in 2004 included proposals to tackle smoking and the harm that
secondary smoking does to others. The Heath Act 2006 contains the
legislative provisions.
2. Smoking remains the principle cause of premature death in England and an
estimated 85,000 people die every year from smoking-related illnesses,
including lung cancer. In addition, the cost to the NHS in England alone for
treating people is between £1.4billion and £1.7billion per year.
3. The key objectives of the Smokefree legislation is to achieve the following:
Reduce the risks to health from exposure to secondhand smoke;
Recognise a person’s right to be protected from harm and enjoy
Smokefree air;
Increase the benefits of SmokeFree enclosed places and
workplaces for people trying to give up smoking so that they can
succeed in an environment where social pressures to smoke are
reduced;
Save lives over the next decade by reducing both exposure to
hazardous secondhand smoke and overall smoking rates.
4. The Smokefree legislation started on 1 July 2007 and follows similar
legislation in other parts of the country and in Europe. Scotland went
Smokefree in 2006; Wales went Smokefree on 2 April 2007 and Northern
Ireland on 30 April 2007.
5. The Government has supported a publicity campaign to reach specific
audiences and to target the hospitality and leisure industry, businesses,
local authorities and the general public.
6. Smokefree London, financed by the NHS, has worked with London
Councils and boroughs to engage stakeholders in London and encourage
communication between all sectors.
Local authority funding to implement the Smokefree legislation
7. In December 2006 a Local Authority Circular LAC (2006)17 was issued by
the Department of Health announcing £29.5milllion for local authorities to
assist with the implementation of the new legislation. Initial funds were
made available on 31 March 2007 in 2006/07 financial year with additional
funds monies being made available for in 30 April 2007. No conditions were
placed on how the money was to be spent.
8. ‘Enforcement authorities’ (local authorities) have the power to identify,
select and recruit the appropriate officers (environmental health, trading
standards or licensing officers) at their discretion. DoH funded the
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) to train officers to carry
out enforcement activities. It is anticipated that enforcement will become a
part of inspection duties already routinely carried out such as for food safety
inspections and health and safety.
9. However, authorities in London generally plan to focus on measures to
encourage compliance. This will involve informing, advising and where
necessary issue warning letters before tackling using the full legal penalties
available.
Monitoring Compliance
10. The Department of Health will monitor the effectiveness of the Smokefree
law by asking authorities to submit regular data and levels of compliance
including the number of inspections, type of premises and number of written
warnings and Fixed Penalty Notices. The data collection exercise is being a
carried out by Local Government Analysis and Research based at the Local
Government Association. The data is to be collected electronically at
monthly intervals starting at the end of July 2007.
11. From 1st July members of the public will be able to dial 0800 587 166 7 to
report possible breaches of the law by dialling a Smokefree compliance
line. The calls will be answered by a call centre operator who will then
forward the information to the relevant local authority for any appropriate
action.
London Councils involvement in the Smokefree issues
12. London Councils has been worked with partners in raising awareness in
London and supporting local authorities by undertaking the following
actions:
Set up www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/smokefree which details key aspects
of what the legislation means and information that may be useful to local
authority officers and members of the public.
Worked alongside SmokeFree London to disseminate information to local
authority Press and Publicity Officers including inviting officers to attend
the London Bus Project launch at City Hall.
SmokeFree London issues were raised at the London Health Forum
meeting and London Councils Press and Officers meeting.
Smoking article appeared in London Councils Bulletin marking the 100
day countdown.
London Councils attended a Smokefree London Bus launch event
organised by Smokefree London and the London Health Commission on
25th July at Trafalgar Square to celebrate six days before the Smokefree
legislation. A special award was presented to London boroughs to reward
them for their hard work to ensure that London is ready for a successful
Smokefree beginning.
Following 1st July London Councils will continue to work with the London
Health Commission, Smokefree London and Customs and Excise to
tackle illegally imported cigarettes entering London.
The minimum age at which tobacco can be sold will be raised from 16 to
18 from 1st October 2007. London Councils will support local authorities
with the implementation of the Children and Young Persons Order 2007
and seek to reinforce measures to combat under age sales.
Recommendation
The Forum is recommended to note the report.
Financial Implications for London Councils
The cost of proposed meetings and actions can be met from existing resources.
Legal Implications for London Councils
There are no legal implications.
Equalities Implications for London Councils
There are no equalities implications for London Councils.
Appendix
1
Best Practice Examples in London
Local authorities in London are taking actions to implement the Smokefree
legislation. The following provides examples of the activities and measures being
taken to raise awareness and promote local services designed to encourage people
to quit smoking. All local authorities feature the new Smokefree legislation on their
council websites.
LB Barking and Dagenham
A local brochure has been produced for employers with information and
guidance
A survey has been undertaken by LBBD and PCT with 197 employers and
415 local smokers to understand their concerns.
LB Barnet
Invited licensed traders to a free seminar to explain the new law. Also
running an event for care homes and hotels/hostels.
Planning targeted visits to businesses to give advice and will be doing some
compliance checks visits to businesses
Producing leaflets on nuisance and planning issues and providing
information on cessation services
Appointing a small team of temporary staff t carry out visits.
LB Brent
Providing information to local businesses via council website, newsletters and
during inspection visits.
Advising on the provision of outdoor shelters for use by smokers.
LB Camden
LB Camden and PCT have produced a toolkit for their homeless shelters to
promote SmokeFree and the availability of smoking cessation services
Funding has been secured to produce a ‘toolkit’ for people working in this field
on smoking/tobacco issues. The information will be made available on the
Smokefree London website.
Running a campaign with ENCAMs targeting young women.
Bringing forward mental health and Care Home Smokefree regulations one
year earlier that required.\North West London Cardiac Network produced a
leaflet on Water or Shisha Smoking: The Health Effects.
LB Croydon
Set up 7 ‘surgeries’ aimed at businesses throughout June. This is joint
venture between the PCT and Croydon.
Working with the licensing trade by attending pub/club watch meetings
Poster advertising campaign throughout the borough and at selected tram
and station stops.
Joint working with Streetscene to buy Buttsout portable ashtrays to be
distributed by street wardens and at relevant events.
Close liaison with the PCT and other organisations such as Croydon
Enterprise, the Police and departments.
An enforcement officer has been working in all the areas of Croydon handing
out stickers and information to businesses.
LB Enfield
Issued 15,000 free beer mats to businesses and 6,000 free pocket stubbi
pouches to both businesses and the public.
Various poster campaigns on buses, local transport stations, pub etc
Mail shots to local businesses
LB Hackney
10,000 businesses received Smokefree Hackney leaflets which includes
information on the new law and provides advice. These have been
translated in 7 different languages.
Licensing Team holding a series of breakfast seminars for licensed premises
where Smokefree information will be made available. Also Smokefree
Guidance has been drawn up for general businesses
Visits are taking place from 14th May starting with the main businesses
districts. By 1 July it is estimated that 25% of businesses willed be visited.
Lamp post banners are being posted around the Council during June.
Smokefree London bus spent the morning at Hackney Town Hall on No
World Smoking Day – 31st May. This attracted local press activity.
LB Hammersmith & Fulham
Appointment of a Smokefree Lead Officer, to act as a single point of contact
for business enquiries, to carry out inspections of relevant premises, co-
ordinate the enforcement and to arrange cascade training for enforcement
officers.
Joint working activities with other services of the council, Town Centre
Managers, London Local Authorities and other agencies such as the PCT,
North Fulham NDC and Police.
Articles have been published in Food Review, Health & Safety newsletters,
The Mag (an internal staff magazine) and The H&F News (a publication for all
residents).
A joint Smokefree seminar was held with Kensington and Chelsea, on
Monday 4th June aimed at local businesses, to inform them of the new
requirement and to give them a chance to ask questions, all delegates
received a guidance pack and free signage.
All high risk businesses have been sent information and I am
visiting businesses that are requesting visits. One week before and one week
after the 1st July, officers will be visiting businesses in the borough to inform
them of their responsibilities and to hand out the required signage.
LB Haringey
Purchase of stub bins at a reduced cost.
LB Hounslow
Visiting targeted businesses to give advice and assistance before
July 1st. Also inspections of business premises after the start date.
Mail shots to local businesses (including free items where appropriate
ie beer mats to publicans)
Poster campaign on buses
Employing two Smoking compliance officers
Smoking compliance Publicity and advice stall/s
Liaise with the Department of Health in relation to the Hounslow
Tobacco Control Strategy 2007- 2010
Created Hounslow Webb site & email address in relation to smokefree
LB Islington
Series of seminars and drop-ins all over Borough for businesses and the
public to learn about the new law (including market stalls!);
Funding of two outreach workers since February 2007 who have been
visiting businesses everyday for face-to-face advice, giving out signage and
posters etc
Turkish outreach and publicity strategy involving information event on Green
Lanes (filmed for Turkish satellite TV station), outreach visits by Turkish
speakers, translated materials and the pooling of resources between
Islington, Hackney, Haringey and Enfield to produce adverts across Turkish
press;
Adverts on Somali radio station, and visits to businesses by Somali outreach
workers;
Lots of work with the licensed trade including attendance at Pubwatches and
a big information event/seminar held at the new Arsenal Emirates Stadium in
March.
Kensington & Chelsea
Employed a Projects Officer who has been dealing with all smoke free
enquiries and are in the process of recruiting a dedicated Smoke Free
Enforcement Officer.
Have information on our website including dedicated email address
(Smokefree@rbkc.gov.uk)
Produced posters aimed at individuals and postcards aimed at businesses.
Jointly organised a seminar with the London Borough of Hammersmith and
Fulham, for businesses in both boroughs with expert external speakers from
the Government Office of London and the BII along with Council Officers from
both boroughs from a variety of departments
Written to approximately 1300 businesses to give them information about the
legislation and what they will need to do.
Organised two six week cessation clinic courses for our own staff who want to
give up smoking.
Have met with some businesses through the Council run 'Green Partners'
Working Group.
Our commercial waste team has put together an initiative that businesses can
subscribe to (for a fee) that will involve the Council providing bins (choice of
design) which will then be emptied and the area in front of their business will
be cleaned.
LB Merton
A live interview took place n LBC News regarding the build up to enforcement
of the Smokefree regulations
Held a successful Smokefree awareness event attended by over 1,000
people at Baitul Futuh Mosque in May. (largest Mosque in Western Europe).
Undertaken Smokefree advisory visits to local businesses.
LB Newham
Partnership working between LB Newham and PCT. These agencies include
LBN’s Tobacco Control Co-ordinator, HealthWorks Unit and NPCT’s Stop
Smoking Team proving smoking cessation services in the borough.
Organising the “Big Quit’ a successful drop-in 12 week stop smoking
programme.
Delivered the ‘Big Quit’ to staff and introduced the Council’s Smokefree
policy on 1st April 3007.
HealthWorks which hold the franchise in Newham for the National Clear Air
Awards – have helped over 100 local businesses achieve a Clean Air Award
and develop SmokeFree policies.
1 full time health promotion officer and 1 full time compliance officer
appointed.
LB Redbridge
Press Release advising the public about the pending legislation.
Press Release advocating that the new legislation will provide an opportunity
to quit smoking.
Richmond upon Thames
Distribution of newsletters for businesses and leaflets for the public distributed
through council offices, post offices, libraries and shops.
Published a poster which will be displayed on sites around the council as well
as appearing on the local bus network.
LB Southwark
Developed a communications strategy throughout the borough.
Issued sub out bins to local businesses.
LB Sutton
Sent out invites to all businesses on council’s business rates databases to
attend one of three ‘drop in sessions’. Information and signs were available as
well as officers to answer queries and held a Smokefree business seminar.
The last of these three drop in sessions was held in Sutton High Street and
thus we also gave out information to the public to raise awareness.
Invitations sent out to Residential Care and Nursing Homes to attend a
presentation on Smokefree legislation, how it will affect them and practical
ways to comply.
Attended Health and Well Being Day run by Sutton Council to increase public
awareness. Questionnaires were completed to gauge public awareness and
support of legislation. Smokefree cessation was promoted with NHS Services
attendance and smokefree homes pledge was promoted and public asked to
sign up.
Produced a banner and posters for display locally and also adverts in local
press releases/adverts in paper to promote the legislation and increase
awareness locally.
Dedicated officers answering queries made to the LA and carrying out visits
where requested.
30 June – Joint Launch between Sutton Council and Local Retail Shopping
Centre. To launch the legislation commencing the following day – 18 hour
countdown. Promoting a ‘New You’ encouraging persons to quit smoking and
highlighting the benefits of it. NHS Services, beauty therapists, fitness etc.
attending.
Programme of advisory visits/inspections to monitor compliance ands and
specific work being undertaken by steering group and Himp Bid Funded post
to reach young smokers and those wishing to give up age.
LB Tower Hamlets
Set up a dedicated team of four officers which includes a Smokefree Co-
ordinator. This team will raise awareness with the public, landlords and
business owners of their responsibilities.
Working in partnership with Tower Hamlets Primary Care Trust.
Planned visits undertaken to local businesses to raise awareness.
Conducting drop in sessions in venues around the borough and issuing
Smokefree goody bags and signs.
LB Waltham Forest
Appointment of a Smokefree lead officer, to act as single point of contact for
enquiries and development of the programme for introduction of Smokefree.
3 Drop in days for businesses in partnership with PCT, giving out goody bags,
no smoking signs and advice on giving up smoking.
Information leaflets sent to all high risk premises in the Borough and to
Housing Associations, letting agents and landlords..
Several visits and talks to businesses about smoking shelters and no smoking
signs.
Targeting Industrial areas two weeks after implementation of the legislation.
Westminster City Council
Westminster established a Tobacco Alliance in March 2006. The partners
consist of the Primary Care Trust, City Council, business sector, BME Health
Forum and the Drug & Alcohol Action Team.
The A Stop Smoking Service works with 50 GP Practices, pharmacists, St.
Mary’s, CNWL and voluntary groups.
Produced a guidance /information brochure for businesses in the area and
issued a card to every business/ organisation which can be handed out when
visiting premises. Local business pack produced and awareness raising post-
cards and communication material delivered by front-line staff to businesses.
Dedicated officer time to visit with premises that are considered to be a high
risk of non- compliance.