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Action on Smoking and Health
A National Legal-Action Antismoking Organization Entirely Supported by Tax-Deductible Contributions
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Chief Medical Officer Says UK Smoking Ban 'Could Save Billions' [07/29-3]
Excerpts from: Smoking ban 'could save billions'
BBC News [07/28/04]
A public smoking ban would benefit the economy as well as people's health, the Chief Medical Officer for England has said.
In his annual report, Professor Sir Liam Donaldson said a ban could save up to £2.7 billion.
His report also criticised the fashion industry for fuelling young people's interest in smoking.
He said highlighting the damage smoking can do to the skin could encourage more young people to quit.
The economic analysis within the CMO's report says the British economy could benefit by up to £2.7billion if such a ban went ahead.
This could include up to £680m saved by having a healthier workforce, which could produce more goods, £140m saved through fewer sick days, £430m saved because less production would be lost to cigarette breaks and £100m saved by not having to clean up behind smokers.
The CMO said evidence from abroad showed bans in pubs and restaurants have not proved to be bad for business.
He added visits to Ireland, California and New York, which have already banned smoking in public places, showed a ban could be enforced without the hospitality trade being damaged - as had been feared,
Deborah Arnott, director of Action on Smoking and Health said: "All the propaganda of the tobacco industry and its allies can no longer hide the fact that the time for a smokefree workplace law in the UK has arrived".
Sir Liam added that smokers knew the habit could cause serious diseases and premature death, but many did not appreciate the damage the habit caused to their skin.
He said: "Those in their teens and early twenties tend to be image conscious and, therefore, by highlighting the harmful effects of smoking on skin I hope to encourage young people to give up smoking."
click here to view this report (PDF)
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