UK Smokefree Legislation - 10 lessons learnt Elspeth Lee Tobacco Control Manager Cancer Research UK 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 Gt not willing to consider SHS as part of health and safety legislation (UK-wide legislation). Instead considered as public health issue- devolved issue. Political disagreement; many Gt 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 Nov 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 Successful vote Feb Feb 2006 Consultations /committee hearings culminating in a tabled amendment to the Health Bill and a free vote for MPs majority win Lessons (1) 1.Learn from other countries 2.Build diverse, branded coalition with common aim- workers health 3.Utilise strengths of members 4.Maintain internal organisational support Lessons (2) 5.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) 7.Immediate/plentiful media rebuttals to re-centre the issue Good system needed to pick up 8.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 Lessons (3)