Calls for Formby Beach to become smoke free beach following opinion poll

Following an opinion poll, 52% of people in North West believe beaches should be no smoking zones during summer.

Formby Beach - Photo by Sarah Ashford

A study has revealed that people in the North West would support a smoking ban on beaches such as Formby, Southport and Crosby.

More than half (52%) think local beaches should be no smoking zones during the holiday season and one in six (17%) would travel further to visit a smoke free coastline.

According to the survey commissioned by the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service, many from the North West also thought there should be smoking restrictions in playgrounds (62%), outdoor restaurants (40%) and parks (39%).

Nationally, the research found that nearly half (48%) thought a smoking ban would make traditional seaside towns more attractive places to visit, with just one in eleven (9%) saying it would speed the decline of Britain’s holiday resorts by putting smokers off.

Dr Nitin Shori, Medical Director of the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service and a working NHS GP, said: “There does appear to be public support for smoking bans on local beaches - although more people say they are concerned about sunburn, litter, rowdy behaviour and how they look on the beach, than breathing in second-hand cigarette smoke.”

The research also investigated the nation’s smoking habits and indicated one in 15 of those who tried to stop smoking in the past 12 months said they decided to quit because the current smoking ban made it less appealing to smoke socially.

Dr Shori said: “The popularity of smoking has been on a downward trend since the risks became more widely understood in the 1970s.

"Smoking is still a major cause of preventable disease and premature deaths in Britain, so health worries tend to be a big driver for patients who decide to quit.

"Its addictive nature means it can be a tough habit to break and although some succeed through willpower alone, others find nicotine replacement or prescription medication is helpful.”

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Story source: Southport Visiter