[C-U Smokefree] Good news form Scotland

[Theotskl at aol.com]

Hi all--

To cheer you up, here is good news from Scotland--it's an indication that the 
smokefree movement is becoming alive and well everywhere, even in places 
thought to be difficult.

Keep up the good work.

Cheers.

Dr. Theo Tsoukalas

News From Joe Cherner's Listserve Follows:

Scotland to Go Smokefree
Europe joins U.S., Canada, and Australia in growing movement for clean indoor 
air
 
Parts excerpted from the Associated Press, 11/10/04

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) -- Scotland will eliminate smoking in enclosed 
public places, First Minister Jack McConnell said Wednesday.  Scotland follows 
European countries Ireland and Norway in enacting sweeping smokefree workplace 
legislation.
"Too many people die or fall ill from cancer, stroke, and heart disease 
caused from tobacco smoke," McConnell told the Scottish Parliament. "The single 
largest cause of preventable premature death in Scotland is smoking."
Licensees or employers who violate the law would face fines up to 2,500 
pounds (US$4,600), and persistent offenders could lose their licenses. Individual 
smokers would face fines up to 1,000 pounds (US$1,850).
McConnell said the legislation would be launched before Christmas, proposing 
a target date of spring 2006 for full implementation.
The British Medical Association said smoking-caused diseases kill 13,000 
people in Scotland each year.
Operators of pubs and bars, represented by the Scottish Licensed Trade 
Association, said the law would cost them business and result in jobs being lost 
[eventhough that has not happened in hundreds of smokefree cities around the 
world].
"ALL workers, including pub and restaurant workers, deserve a safe, healthy, 
smokefree work environment," says Joe Cherner, founder of BREATHE-- Bar and 
Restaurant Employees Advocating Together for a Healthy Environment.  No worker 
should have to breathe tobacco smoke pollution to hold a job, because it causes 
cancer, respiratory illness, and heart disease."
To send a letter of congratulations to Scotland, go to 
http://www.smokefree.net/Scotland
 
Joseph W. Cherner
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the 
world.  Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."    Margaret Mead

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