In support of ASH Wales, the Smokefree Bristol Alliance would like to offer the following submission in relation to the proposed changes to the Smokefree Legislation in Bristol:

• One of the key aims of the smokefree legislation was to protect workers from the harm caused by breathing in secondhand smoke.  Evidence has shown that it is as harmful as smoking cigarettes especially when people are subjected to it over extended periods of time in enclosed spaces, for example pub employees, etc.  Actors within the entertainment industry are no exception, and it is unfair to allow others to inflict their secondhand smoke on those who wish to remain smokefree.
• There are many young actors within the entertainment industry, and they have a right to be protected from harm whilst at work and in their personal lives.  Children’s rights will be ignored if this change to the smokefree legislation is put through, and they are less likely to be heard if they voice an opinion.  In addition to which the entertainment industry will be ignoring UNICEF’s Convention on the rights of the Child.  There is also evidence to show that young people are particularly impressionable to smoking in films as it is seen as glamorous and exciting.  There is never a true portrayal of how these ‘smoking’ characters might die, slowly and painfully with a poor quality of life.
• If smoking is deemed to be absolutely essential to the film or programme there are safer alternatives that are now very readily available that look and act like cigarettes, such as the e-cigarette.  Although many people believe that characterisation is far more effective than the use of props like cigarettes.

I sincerely hope that the Welsh Assembly Government consider these changes very seriously, as we believe the proposed changes are unnecessary and dangerous.

Yours sincerely,

Wendy