News & Comment
Forest says no to ban on smoking in cars with children
Monday 6th February 2012, posted by forest
Smoking in a car with children present is "inconsiderate" says Forest but a ban is a step too far.
The comments were in response to the launch of a campaign by the Welsh Government to target smoking in cars with children.
Fresh Start has been launched by the Welsh Government "to protect youngsters from the effects of second-hand smoke in a confined space. An outright ban will be considered depending on the success of the three-year campaign".
Simon Clark, director of Forest, told the BBC that a ban would be expensive, a step too far and totally unnecessary.
He said: "I disagree that they're poisoning children but I support the campaign. I think it's important to encourage parents not to smoke in a car where small children are present out of consideration for the child if nothing else."
However Clark wanted an assurance from the Welsh government that a ban would not be introduced.
"We think that would be a step too far and totally unnecessary," he said.
"And I think it's outrageous at the way they're treating smokers considering there are 10m smokers throughout the United Kingdom who contribute a massive amount to tobacco taxation - over £10bn a year.
"It's a perfectly legal product and I think it's quite wrong the way smokers have been treated."
Source: BBC News (6 February 2012)
