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15 Feb 06Poole Ahead of Government on Smoking Ban
The Borough of Poole's decision to back a complete ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces has been vindicated after the overwhelming result of the Parliamentary vote on the subject.
Last night's Commons decision exactly mirrors the evidence collected by the Council's Working Group during an 18-month consultation campaign that began in 2003. The research was done via the Council's Poole Opinion Panel, discussion groups, Area Committee Meetings, a public meeting and evidence put to a Select Committee of experts and health professionals.
The results of that consultation was made public in October 2004 and showed that 76% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they would prefer a complete ban in the town. However before the Council could progress the matter further the Government announced its intentions to review the law and the decision was made at Full Council to await the outcome of that review before pursuing the matter further.
Cllr Peter Adams, Chairman of Poole's Working Group, said: "I am delighted by the outcome of the Government vote. Poole pointed the direction that the Government followed and I think we should be very proud of our achievement.
"The Borough of Poole was one of the few Councils that did such a thorough investigation into the subject and was brave enough to be prepared to go down this route prior to the Government announcing its review. Although other authorities looked into a proposed smoking ban, Poole was among those that did so in a truly democratic way."
Rachael Mills, Media Relations Manager, Communications, Borough of Poole, tel 01202 633295
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