An Oxford city councillor has called for a citywide ban on
smoking in public places, provoking anger from city pubs and
students. Susanna Pressel is urging the council to review the benefits
and dangers of smoking in pubs and restaurants, in light of the
successful implementation of such bans in New York and Republic
of Ireland. Oxford City Primary Care Trust has welcomed Ms Pressel’s
suggestions. Recent medical evidence suggested that smoking in
the workplace causes 700 premature deaths a year. Pressel did
express concern about the possible implications on the
city’s traders if such a ban was imposed, but said, “if
pubs and clubs can cope with the ban then I think it would be
very good idea.” Her suggestions have angered the
city’s pubs. “It would have an absolutely terrible
effect,” said David Benefield of the King’s Arms;
“In Ireland trade has dropped by 75%; there would be a
public outcry here.” St Peter’s finalist Christopher Hallebro, a non-smoker,
said that it was “an outrageous intrusion into people’s
civil liberties.” The anti-smoking group ASH applauded Pressel’s suggestion
and disputed Benefield’s facts. “The tobacco industry
has claimed that they have suffered a 30% decline, but the
hospitality sector dispute that there was any impact at
all,” said spokesman and Oxford graduate Ian Willmore.
Willmore said he was an occasional smoker during his time here at
Oriel. “I don’t think I was aware then of the dangers
to other people’s health.”ARCHIVE: 4th week TT 2004
Oxford to be cigarette free city?
