Welcoming steps to help people quit
Following the news that the Government is considering tougher rules on outdoor smoking, our chief executive, Paula Chadwick, shares the charity’s response:
“Having originally campaigned for the smoking ban in public places in 2007, we welcome any steps forward that help people stop smoking and vaping.
“These proposed restrictions could be the push people need to cut back or quit for good, as well as reduce the exposure of second-hand smoke to others.
“Smoking causes around 70% of lung cancers, making government action essential despite non-smokers also being affected.”
Why vaping in public must be addressed
“It’s equally important that we tackle vaping in public too. We don’t know the long-term effect of vaping. What we do know is that a frightening number of children are taking up the habit. It’s becoming far too common a sight and we need to confront this.
We understand why people think such restrictions are ‘over the top’ or harsh. We faced similar reaction when we campaigned for the original smoking ban in public places but, just like the original ban, a move such as an outdoor ban would likely have a positive effect. It could help people cut back on the amount they smoke which could help them quit completely.
“It can also reduce people’s exposure to second hand smoke. Many will remember this was the case of Roy Castle. Roy’s lung cancer was caused by passive smoking from playing his trumpet in smoky jazz clubs so these steps could improve everyone’s health.
“Helping people quit smoking and vaping can reduce preventable deaths, with 79% of lung cancers linked to smoking.”
Why support services are essential
“That said, it will not work alone. Delivering smokefree ambitions requires urgent reinvestment in smoking cessation services after a decade of cuts.”
“Smoking is deliberately designed to be highly addictive, making it extremely hard to quit despite clear health and financial benefits. It is unfair to expect people to quit unaided. You can’t move the goalposts without support, so we urge government investment in smoking cessation services.”
For anyone looking to quit, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is running its Smoke Free for September challenge, with an online support group of over 6000 all looking to cut down or quit smoking or vaping this September.