Smoking ban 'cuts costs'

Smoking bans benefit public health and have no negative economic impact, according to a report by the Smoke Free Europe partnership.

The report holds that by reducing the demand for tobacco, smoke-free policies reduce both private and social costs associated with smoking.

The report, which was on the cost effectiveness of comprehensive smoke-free policies, was launched recently during the Smoke Free Europe 2005 conference held in Luxembourg.

"The benefits of smoke-free policies are particularly notable in the private sector of the economy," the report said, adding that the savings come from reduced insurance costs, increased productivity and lower building maintenance costs among other sources.

In the long term, such policies reduced mortality and morbidity because they limited the exposure to second-hand smoke and had an impact on smoking prevalence.

Tobacco companies, the report said, have always claimed that a smoking ban in bars and restaurants would have a negative impact on business and lead to fewer sales and less employment. However, "independent and reliable research" on the financial impact of smoke-free policies in the hospitality industry provided evidence that countered the tobacco industry's economic claims.

A smoking ban has been in force in Malta for the last few months. From October, large entertainment establishments were not allowed to let people smoke unless they abided by a number of stringent regulations, while small establishments had to come in line the following April.