Southend-on-Sea City Council has welcomed a new national consultation that seeks to strengthen measures to reduce the harms caused by smoking and vaping across the country.
The consultation supports the council’s ongoing work to help residents quit smoking, reduce exposure to second-hand smoke, and tackle the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes.
Cllr Maxine Sadza, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said:
“We welcome this national consultation, which supports our ongoing work to reduce the harm caused by smoking and vaping. This includes helping residents to quit through our local stop smoking services and tackling the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes.
“We will be putting forward a strong response that includes support for the banning of vaping as well as tobacco smoking. This is not just about passive smoking. All of this focuses on protecting children, families and vulnerable residents from the health impacts of smoking and vaping – including making it less convenient to smoke around specific environments. I encourage residents to share their views before the consultation closes on 8 May.
“I remember the days of smoke-filled pubs, clubs and cabins on planes. One’s clothes would smell of tobacco and at worst your eyes and throat were adversely affected. In years to come, I think that people will look back on any form of smoking near to children’s play areas and hospital grounds, and think ‘why was that allowed in the past?’
“Whilst I respect that people should have a choice of whether or not to smoke, it is not a good experience for those who don't smoke.”
The consultation can be found here: Smoke-free, heated tobacco-free and vape-free places in England
Residents are encouraged to take part in the national consultation and share their views before the deadline on 8 May.
The council continues to work with public health partners, local businesses and community organisations to improve health outcomes for residents and reduce the risks associated with both smoking and vaping.
Today (11 March) is National No Smoking Day. Everyone Health, who the council have commissioned to provide a healthy lifestyle service to support residents living within the city, are inviting smokers across Southend to take part in their ‘Quitathon’. If you would like help to stop smoking, visit Quitathon – Join the Big Quit.