New York report proves smoking ban worth: Campaigners
The smoking ban in New York was an unqualified success, anti-smoking groups said today.
A recent report on the first 12 months of the ban showed that 10,000 jobs had been created and that air pollution levels had reduced six-fold.
The levels of cotinine -a tobacco by-product found in people who have inhaled tobacco smoke – decreased by 85% in non-smoking workers in bars and restaurants.
The Irish Heart Foundation said the report showed the health and economic benefits of a smoking ban in bars and restaurants.
Chief executive Michael O’Shea said it would end the scaremongering by publicans about the effects of the ban.
“Clean air does not drive customers away – in fact the reverse appears to be the case. The survey shows an absolute gain of 10,600 jobs in New York’s restaurants and bars since the ban was introduced. This would totally contradict all the anecdotal reports about a downturn we have heard about New York.”
The report, prepared for the New York City Department for Health, said there was overwhelming support for the ban, with 97% of bars and restaurants smoke free.
“One year later, the data is clear. The city’s bar and restaurant industry is thriving and its workers are breathing cleaner, safer air,” it said.
The anti-smoking group ASH Ireland said the public here could expect to benefit from the smoking ban.
Spokeswoman Valerie Coughlan said: “Our ban recently has passed 100 days. It’s going to take a year to see how everything goes. But we will, of course, have similar health benefits to those established in New York.”
