GASP is keen to extend the smoking ban to cars when children are being carried. It has written to States members to see if they agree.
It already has the backing of one, Home minister Geoff Mahy, who is its political patron.
‘Since the implementation of the ban, smoking in cars where children are passengers has been a particular area where we have consistently heard a call for action,’ said chairman Alun Williams.
‘For that reason we are opening consultation with politicians and islanders to seek views on whether legislation should be enacted to restrict it.’
Deputy Mahy said he backed the campaign 100%.
‘Gasp is all about protecting young people from the dangers of smoking.
‘If we agree that bar staff need to be protected from second-hand smoke, then it would only seem logical that we must protect children too. There really isn’t a more confined space than inside a car for children to suffer second-hand smoke,’ he said.
He added that children at La Mare de Carteret Primary School, where the campaign was launched yesterday, fully supported the move.
‘I think children in the Bailiwick schools who have received information about the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke will be very supportive.
‘We would like children to grow up in a world where smoking is regarded as an unacceptable activity,’ he said.
Chelsea Torode, 10, said such a ban was needed.
‘It’s a really good idea because children can get lung cancer from second-hand smoke and an enclosed space like the inside of a car is one of the worst.’
Joe Le Roux, 10, said children shouldn’t have to suffer because adults want to have a cigarette.
‘Children are sure to suffer from inhaling the smoke in such a confined space so a ban on smoking in cars with children is a great idea.’
Article posted on 4th May, 2007 - 12.00am
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