Health organisations demand smoke-free restaurants

About 6,000 smokers and non-smokers die annually from diseases caused by tobacco

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All primary health organisations in Finland call for a non-smoking policy in restaurants, because they regard it as the most effective single way to reduce the number of cancer incidents in Finland.
      The requirement is put forward by a cooperative body of about 50 Finnish health organisations including the Pulmonary Association, the Cancer Society of Finland, the Finnish Heart Association, the National Public Health Institute, the Allergy and Asthma Federation, as well as the Finnish Medical Association.
      According to the National Public Health Institute, tobacco is responsible for about 6,000 annual deaths in Finland. The figure covers both smokers themselves and non-smokers who die after being exposed to second-hand smoke.
      In comparison, some 3,000 people die annually from diseases caused by alcohol.
      Finland’s Minister for Social Affairs and Health, Sinikka Mönkäre (SDP), also wants a total ban on smoking in Finnish restaurants. She says that her main concern in the issue is the health of restaurant personnel. She points out that 15,000 restaurant workers are exposed to tobacco smoke and its hazardous chemicals while on the job.
      Mönkäre hopes that Finland will follow the example set by Norway, Ireland, and New York City, and will adopt a non-smoking policy for all restaurants. In Sweden, the new law will come into force next summer.
     
Actually, legislation on smoking in public is part of the mandate of Liisa Hyssälä (Centre), the Minister for Social Services, who is opposing a total ban on restaurant smoking. However, Mönkäre considers that it is her duty to bring forward the health aspect, as she is the minister responsible for occupational health issues.
      The State Provincial Office of Southern Finland has initiated a project to monitor how the present legislation on tobacco has been put into practice.
      Currently, it is difficult to control the tobacco act in practice, and the new legislation should be more effective in that respect.
     
Managing Director Ralf Sandsröm of Restel Oy, the largest chain of restaurants and hotels in Finland, is opposed to a total ban on smoking in restaurants. However, he says that the present tobacco law should be overseen more effectively. Moreover, he claims that a total ban on smoking would have a negative impact on the restaurant industry, as smoking is part of the restaurant culture. Sandström is also the chairman of the Finnish Hotel and Restaurant Association.
      According to the Service Union United, the introduction of a non-smoking policy is good as long as it has no negative impact on employment. Many restaurant owners in Norway expressed fears their clientele would desert them if smoking were completely forbidden.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Social Affairs and Health Minister seeks total ban on smoking in bars and restaurants (3.6.2004)

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