Press Release

27 April 2009

Faculty of Public Health (FPH) joins 100 health groups in campaign to put tobacco out of sight to protect children

FPH is one of a hundred national, regional and local organisations and medical and scientific experts that have signed a full-page advertisement appearing in The Observer urging members of the House of Lords to vote to end tobacco displays in shops and ban sales of tobacco from vending machines.  

The Report Stage of the Health Bill starts on 28 April and FPH is urging the Lords to vote to put tobacco out of sight in order to protect children from the eye-catching tobacco displays that are often sited next to the sweet counters in corner shops.  

Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, FPH President, said:  

“Smoking is an addiction of childhood, not an adult choice. Two thirds of smokers take up the habit before they reach adulthood.” 

“Opinion polls show that these measures are popular with the public.  Adult smokers will still be able to choose whether or not to smoke, but we must do all we can to protect children from harm caused by smoking.”

See the ad here

For more information and interviews contact Suvi Kingsley, 020 7935 3115, suvikingsley@fph.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to editors

  1. Faculty of Public Health (FPH) is the leading professional body for public health specialists in the UK. It aims to promote and protect the health of the population, and improve health services, by maintaining professional and educational standards, advocating on key public health issues, and providing practical information and guidance for public health professionals. www.fph.org.uk

 

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