Air in public houses is cleaner and more people are trying to quit smoking, according to a review of Northern Ireland's smoke-free legislation. The review also found that compliance with the legislation remained high, with smoking now banned in most enclosed work and public places, and in vehicles such as buses and taxis.
The report, "Smoke-Free Legislation in Northern Ireland - A One Year Review", found that 97% of businesses respected the ban, nicotine levels in bars has fallen by 92% and there has been a 94% reduction in average fine air particulate levels.
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said it was not surprising that the people of Northern Ireland had totally embraced this legislation. "Although not the main aim of the smoke-free legislation, I am pleased that more smokers have taken steps to quit. Our smoking prevalence rate is now 23%, the lowest it has been in over 20 years. The legislation has ensured that we can work and socialise in the knowledge that we are safe from exposure to the toxic chemicals produced by tobacco smoke."
The Minister acknowledged that further work was required to achieve the ultimate aim of a tobacco-free society, with smoking estimated to still cause over 2,300 deaths in Northern Ireland each year.
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