NEW SMOKING BANS PROVING EFFECTIVE FOR HEALTH AND BUSINESS

An estimated 14,000 Queensland smokers may have kicked the habit as a direct result of the Beattie Government’s ban on smoking inside pubs and clubs.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today an independent survey conducted for Queensland Health in September shows Queenslanders have embraced the new smoking laws which came into force from 1 July 2006.

The statewide survey of 500 Queenslanders - including 22% who are current smokers - investigated the level of awareness about the new laws and their impact on the community and business.

“The survey results are extremely positive and clearly demonstrate the significant impact our smoking bans are having on people,” Mr Robertson said.

“Not only do they demonstrate the majority of people are embracing the new smoking bans but thousands of Queenslanders are actually giving up the habit.

“Most Queenslanders are well informed about the new smoking laws with 93% of those surveyed aware it is illegal to smoke inside pubs, clubs and at outdoor eating and drinking establishments.”

The survey revealed:

• Two (2) percent of smokers polled report they have successfully quit as a result of the new tobacco laws.

• This equates to an estimated 14,000 smokers when the survey results are applied across the Queensland population.

• 22% of smokers report that they have attempted to quit as a result of the new laws.

• This equates to approximately 123,000 Queensland smokers.

• A further 27% of ex-smokers report the new smoking laws have helped them remain non-smokers.

Mr Robertson said the survey also revealed the new smoking laws were having a positive impact on business for liquor licensed premises and outdoor eating and drinking establishments.

“21% of those polled said they are visiting Queensland pubs and clubs more often because of the smoking bans; compared to 10% who said they have reduced their visits.

“30% also reported they are visiting outdoor eating and drinking establishments more often as a result; compared to the 9% who said they were visiting less often.

“This confirms the feedback we have been getting that people are finding smoke-free pubs and clubs more comfortable environments.”

Mr Robertson the survey results provided clear evidence that creating smoke-free environments helps people to quit, and may even prevent them from taking up smoking in the first place.

“This is a great outcome for all Queenslanders because the benefits of quitting are immense.

”Within a year of being smoke-free, your risk of dying from heart disease has halved. Within 10 years, your risk of lung cancer is more than halved and continues to decline over time.

“With over 3,400 Queenslanders dying from smoking related diseases each year, it is vital that we continue to encourage people not to smoke,” Mr Robertson said.

Queenslanders are encouraged to report possible breaches of the new laws to the Tobacco Hotline 1800 005 998 or via the Queensland Health website – www.health.qld.gov.au.

MEDIA:   PAUL LYNCH    3234 1190