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UK Smokefree Legislation - 10 lessons learnt

UK Smokefree Legislation - 10 lessons learnt. Elspeth Lee Tobacco Control Manager Cancer Research UK elspeth.lee@cancer.org.uk. 1999-2003. Failure of voluntary measures and change of approach 1999 Public Places Charter/voluntary code Hospitality trade exemptions and no penalties

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UK Smokefree Legislation - 10 lessons learnt

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  1. UK Smokefree Legislation- 10 lessons learnt Elspeth Lee Tobacco Control Manager Cancer Research UK elspeth.lee@cancer.org.uk

  2. 1999-2003 Failure of voluntary measures and change of approach • 1999 Public Places Charter/voluntary code • Hospitality trade exemptions and no penalties • Funding for co-ordination of hospitality industry activity from industry-linked group • 2001 interim report- code had failed to meet even very low targets • e.g. 50% of pubs/restaurants to have a formal smoking policy and carry an external sign • 2003/4 tobacco control lobby shift from voluntary approach to smoke free workplaces for all. TUC (union) strongly in favour • G’t not willing to consider SHS as part of health and safety legislation (UK-wide legislation). Instead considered as public health issue- devolved issue.

  3. 2004-2005 Political disagreement; many G’t departments to persuade “ I just do not think the worst problem on our sink estates by any means is smoking but that is an obsession of the middle classes. What enjoyment does a 21-year old mother of three living in a council sink estate get? The only enjoyment sometimes they have is to have a cigarette.” • Dr John Reid, then Sec State for Health. The Guardian 9 June 2004. • 16 Nov 2004- White paper with pub/club exemptions “ There are some areas where if your advice is ignored and it damages the public health you would have to consider resignation if you were in my position.” • Professor Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer. Parliamentary Health Select Committee 24 November 2005

  4. Successful vote Feb 14 2006 Consultations /committee hearings culminating in a tabled amendment to the Health Bill and a free vote for MPs - 200 majority win 10- 14 Feb 2006

  5. Lessons (1) • Learn from other countries • Build diverse, branded coalition with common aim- workers’ health • Utilise strengths of members • Maintain internal organisational support www.smokefreeaction.org.uk

  6. Lessons (2) • Split the opposition Different interests of hospitality trade and tobacco industry. Hospitality trade wanted national legislation over local legislation- level playing field and protection from litigation. 6. Find strong political figure (if exists) • Immediate/plentiful media rebuttals to re-centre the issue Good system needed to pick up

  7. Lessons (3) • Develop public knowledge and support. • Demonstrate it is a voters’ issue • 9. Maintain media momentum • ‘Quick’ research; stunts; emotional appeal figure; exploit every opportunity • 10. Public/private lobbying

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