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Protecting kids from smoking

Calls are being made to 'make smoking history' for children across the north east. Over 80 delegates from across the region gathered at St James' Park in Newcastle, where leading tobacco experts presented evidence to support further measures to protect children from the harmful effects of tobacco. The event marked the regional launch of the Government's National Tobacco Strategy consultation.

Those attending the event were told the results from a nationwide public opinion survey showed that 65 per cent of those questionned supported a ban on selling cigarettes from vending machines, 60 per cent called for the price of cigarettes to increase beyond that of inflations, and 59 per cent were in favour of banning the display of tobacco products.

Director of Fresh, Smoke Free North East, Ailsa Rutter, said: "The north east has the worst health inequalities and the highest rates of smoking in the country, so we have the most to gain from a fully funded tobacco strategy. "It is up to us to ensure we respond to the government's consultation and provide our children with the future they deserve, and make smoking history for our children."

Source: News Guardian, 9th July 2008
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