Public supports increasing restrictions on smoking

Guernsey's public would support wider restrictions on the sale of tobacco and where it can be smoked, a survey has found.

The Health Improvement Commission (HIC) asked more than 900 people for their views on 11 possible restrictions.

The banning of smoking in outdoor children's playgrounds garnered the most support, with 82% saying they would support a law on it.

Banning the use of cigarettes outside pubs and bars, and restricting the number of tobacco retailers within a given area got the least support with 26%.

Guernsey was the first place to enforce a ban on smoking in indoor public spaces in 2005. The ban came into effect in the UK in July 2007.

Aurigny was also the first airline in the world to prohibit smoking on its planes.

Last year it also became illegal to smoke in a car carrying children, nine years after England, Wales and Jersey.

HIC asked adults in an online survey if they would support 11 other control measures including banning smoking in children's playgrounds, bus shelters, at beaches and outdoor areas of sports venues, restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars.

It also asked about increasing the legal age each year, banning the sale of products at certain establishments and only permitting a certain number of tobacco retailers within a given area.

Lucy Cave, tobacco harm reduction officer at HIC, said she was surprised by the level of support for the measures.

She said: "[I was] also [surprised] by the young people focus groups, and they were extremely progressive in their views. I think one of the key things for the young people is they want to see more smoke free spaces.

"They were very keen on protecting children and vulnerable populations not just from second hand smoke itself, but also they want to denormalise smoking behaviour."

The restriction which had some of the least support was the banning of smoking outside pubs and bars, with 18% of respondents 'strongly opposed' to the idea.

Simon Allum, who runs PingQuay bar in St Peter Port said: "On the business side of things, people go to bars and restaurants and they go out socialising and relaxing and part of that culture is smoking.

"We have bans in businesses, cars, busses and inside bars, I think to stretch it to the outside is going to be quite a tough ask."

Smoker Ben Tustin said he feels restrictions have "gone too far".

He said: "I think banning smoking in places like children's playgrounds is just common sense... but to ban outside bars and restaurants I totally disagree.

"If you're in designated areas, I don't agree with it - you're outside and you should be able to smoke.

"In terms of the government, if they want to implement a policy of banning smoking outside, is people will live longer, therefore the health bill will go up and the government doesn't have the money to support it."

Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink said: "We are grateful to the Health Improvement Commission for conducting this research but most importantly to all the adults and young people that gave their thoughts and feelings.

"This provides information to the Committee for Health and Social Care and the States of Guernsey to inform future policy development."

The Health and Social Care committee has been approached for comment.

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