Europe to go smoke free

The European Commission is encouraging all EU countries to introduce comprehensive smoke free laws by 2012. Proposed recommendations on smoke free environments have been published, calling on all EU member states to take action to protect people from exposure to harmful tobacco smoke. The recommendations also include using picture warnings on tobacco packages, and introducing services to help people quit smoking. Currently, 10 of the 27 EU countries have smoke free legislation in place, with the UK and Ireland leading the way with the strictest provisions. The European Commission is keen to see more action across Europe as tobacco remains the largest single cause of premature death and disease in the EU. The proposals will be considered by health ministers from the EU countries and, if agreed, although it would not be legally binding, contacts for tobacco control would be convened to develop measures to monitor its implementation. The European Commission will report back on progress and, if significant improvements are not seen, there is the possibility of future EU legislation in this area.

Source: The NHS Confederation, 30 July 2009

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