Students learn Smokefree law is no April fool

Leading local cancer charity, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has launched a student tour to raise awareness of the implementation of Northern Ireland's smoke-free legislation at Queens University.

UCF is working in partnership with Belfast City Council to take the smoke-free tour to all university campuses across Northern Ireland.

The tour is the beginning of a five month programme of activity organised by UCF to help local people and businesses prepare for the new legislation.

Queen's University Students Union Vice President, Michael Forde said: "This new law is No April Fool. Our premises will be smokefree, by law, from April 30th 2007 with no exceptions. We hope that UCF will help students prepare for the changes ahead and hopefully encourage some smokers to think about stopping."

During the event beermats carrying the 'No April Fool' message were used throughout the Union and students received promotional merchandise and helpful hints and tips on how they could successfully stop smoking.

There was also the opportunity to win an IPod in a special smokefree competition.

Gillian McEvoy, Senior Environmental Health Officer, Belfast City Council said: "Students need to be aware of the changes the new law will bring. Smoking will no longer be permitted in enclosed public places and workplaces right across Northern Ireland and that includes bars and restaurants. Anyone who does not comply with the law will receive an on the spot fine and could face further court action if compliance and penalties are not met."

Clare Smith, Cancer Prevention Officer, UCF said: "Smoking is the largest single cause of preventable death and ill health, killing 2,800 people in Northern Ireland every year. Not only is it the primary cause of lung cancer, it also causes cancer of the urinary tract, head and neck, oesophagus, pancreas, stomach, liver, bone marrow and cervix. The health benefits of the new law will be immediate for those who work within the hospitality sector who are the most heavily exposed workers at present, but it will also protect customers, smokers and non-smokers alike."

Weekly stop smoking clinics, supported by the Eastern Health & Social Services Board, will be provided on a free and confidential basis, in a number of venues. In the last year, UCF have co-ordinated over 30 clinics helping 50% of those attending to stop smoking within four weeks.

Anyone wanting to attend the stop smoking clinics can either be referred by their GP or can contact UCF's free phone helpline on 0800 783 3339 to find out their nearest venue.

(SP/EF)