McCarthy calls for smoking in public buildings to be stubbed out immediately

2.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 20th Jul 2006

Alliance Health Spokesperson, Kieran McCarthy

Alliance Party Health Spokesperson, Kieran McCarthy, has called on government to implement the smoking ban for public buildings in Northern Ireland immediately. This follows the announcement stating that the ban will be implemented at the discretion of the Minister.

The Strangford Assembly Member said: "I call on government to ban smoking in public buildings immediately, not delay the ban at the Ministers discretion.

"We have had enough delays placed on this ban so I would call on the Minister to stop holding it up any further.

"Immediate enforcement of the ban will mean that the general public and people working in public buildings will not have to inhale tobacco smoke whilst they go about their daily business.

"Its about time that bar and waiting staff are given protection against the dangers of passive smoking.

"I hope that government will stringently enforce the ban and punish those that do not adhere to the law.

"The ban provides people who are trying to quit smoking with a great incentive to kick the habit for once and for all. And it also lets people enjoy a pint without having to suffer the annoyance caused by passive smoking.

"The Minister must implement the smoking ban now, to ensure that people are protected from the effects of passive smoking."

ENDS