Government announces smoke-free environment plans

Dr. John Cortes,
Minister for Health and the Environment 

GIBRALTAR (Press release) The Minister for Health and the Environment Dr John Cortes is pleased to announce that in keeping with the Government's manifesto commitment, and in line with modern practice, a Bill for a Smoke-free Environment Act will be introduced shortly so that legislation will become effective as from 1 October 2012. This will allow establishments a lead-in period to  accommodate the requirements of the law, including the provision of no smoking signs, etc. It will coincide with a reduction in rates to bars, restaurants and social clubs, on a sliding scale, which will revert to the standard position over a period of three years. A command paper setting out the proposed provisions of the Smoke Free Environment Bill will be published within a month. At the same time the Gibraltar Health Authority is stepping up its anti-smoking campaign, which will include the launch of a series of locally produced TV advertisements and will be promoting its stop smoking service which now includes the newly implemented provision of nicotine replacement therapy. No-smoking day is a significant date in the calendar and many people choose to quit smoking on this day. The GHA will be marking this event with the manning of a stand at the north end of Main Street outside the lobby of the ICC between 10am and 2pm on Wednesday 14th March, offering information and advice to people who wish to quit or learn about quitting.