Working for Oldbury, Smethwick, Wednesbury, West Bomwich, Rowley Regis & Tipton
Tobacco Control
Smoking has long been recognised as the biggest cause of health inequalities. As the evidence on the harmful effects of smoking built, so people in more affluent sectors of society stopped smoking in much larger numbers than people in lower socio-economic groups. Thus targeting people in deprived areas and manual workers is a key element of our strategy, which will contribute to reducing inequalities in life expectancy between sectors in Sandwell and more affluent parts of the country.
Our strategy aims to:
- Assess the smoke free needs of the Sandwell community.
- Ensure local licensing and legal enforcement agencies deliver a local smoke free environment targeted on public places and the workplace.
- Reduce the availability of cheap, illegal tobacco to children.
- Work with the local Crime Reduction Partnership to address the distribution and sale of illegal tobacco products.
- Monitor and review public sector services and organisations to ensure that they provide an example of good practice in the provision of smoke free environments.
- Work with employers to ensure that they are familiar with the laws relating to the selling illegal tobacco on workplace premises.
- Raise the profile of Smoke Free Sandwell with partner organisations across the borough.
- Market and promote a Smoke Free Sandwell to residents.
Did You Know?
Over 1,600 people are estimated to die from smoking each week. 62% of these are men and 38% women.