It certainly seemed impossible. However, in 2004, Ireland
made history as the first country in the world to implement a comprehensive
smoking ban in all indoor workplaces. Defying dire predictions, Ireland's policy
has proved to be both popular and enforceable, with ready compliance and no
decline in business. Indeed some public houses {bars} have recorded an upturn in
business, and improved health outcomes for hospitality workers. Overwhelming
public support for the ban has come from smokers and non-smokers alike,
dispelling the belief that restaurants and bars should represent a true home of
smoking and socialization. For a country traditionally known for its
smoke-filled pubs (bars), the new societal standard represents a breathtaking
(or breath-enhancing) revolution.
Undoubtedly, historians will someday view Ireland's bold
move as a turning point for global public health. Previous actions worldwide had
stemmed from mounting scientific evidence, such as that contained in the U.S.
Surgeon General's reports, confirming that exposure to second-hand smoke leads
to premature death and disease, including lung cancer and ischemic heart
disease. For example, in 1998, California became the first U.S. state to adopt
smoke-free policies for all restaurants and bars. South Africa passed national
laws in 2000 making public places smoke-free, but retained exemptions for bars
and restaurants.
In June 2006 the United States Surgeon General released the
most comprehensive scientific report ever issued on the health harms of
second-hand smoke. The report concluded that second-hand smoke is a proven cause
of heart disease, lung cancer, serious respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis
and asthma, low birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome. The Surgeon
General also found that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke,
and that only smoke-free policies provide effective protection, and smoke-free
laws protect health without harming business. The Surgeon General's conclusion
was crystal clear: “The debate is over. The science is clear: Second-hand smoke
is not a mere annoyance, but a serious health hazard that causes premature death
and disease in children and non-smoking adults.”
When Ireland enacted its smoke-free policy, startled
observers wondered whether other countries would follow suit. The answer came
within months, when New Zealand successfully implemented a comprehensive ban.
Global momentum has since accelerated, with a host of additional countries
enacting policies. Australia and Canada are poised to join the group, and a
growing number of countries are considering legislation. Though the United
States lacks a federal policy, 17 states and dozens of municipalities are
recognized as having smoke-free public places.
Here in the Caribbean, in Trinidad & Tobago, Health
Minister, John Rahael announced on Monday April 9, 2007 that legislation to ban
smoking in all public places, including restaurants and bars, should be laid in
Parliament "within the next four to six weeks". This would make Trinidad &
Tobago the first Caribbean country to introduce such legislation, having been
the first Caribbean nation to sign and then ratify the World Health
Organisation's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. In addition, Rahael said
"the legislation will prohibit smoking at sporting events and smoking within a
certain radius of schools".
In very many countries, including those from which most
visitors to Barbados come, it is now normal not to smoke in public entertainment
places. Locally, support for smoke free areas is becoming overwhelming both
among smokers and non-smokers. In a survey three years ago 87% of the population
said they supported a smoking ban in restaurants, 89% at sports and
entertainment facilities and 96% at public meetings and conferences.
