Action on Smoking and Health

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Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is a pressure group which seeks to publicise the health risks associated with tobacco smoking and campaigns for greater restrictions thereon.[1][2][3]

Contents

[edit] History

ASH was established in 1971 by the Royal College of Physicians following the UK Government refusing to act on the College's request for effective laws to reduce tobacco use. Former health minister, John Dunwoody, became its first director. Its present-day board of trustees reflects its continued support from the medical establishment as it is largely comprised of eminent doctors.

[edit] Funding

ASH is a registered charity[4], describing itself as a "campaigning public health charity", and receives funding from the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK.[5]

[edit] Campaigns

In February 2006, ASH won its campaign for a total ban of smoking in enclosed public places in England from July 2007. [6] [7] The ban included all pubs, bars and private members clubs (which went against the Labour party's election manifesto),[citation needed] as well as cafés, restaurants, and workplaces. A similar ban had come into force in Scotland in March 2006,[8] and Northern Ireland and Wales in April 2007.

ASH is a member of the Smokefree Action Coalition where it is currently involved in a government consultation on the future of tobacco control.[9]

[edit] Membership

ASH has a branch network in the UK which encourages supporters to get involved in the organisation's work, or just lend financial support.

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ ASH - Action on Smoking and Health
  2. ^ ASH - Action on Smoking and Health
  3. ^ Careline | ASH (Action on Smoking and Health)
  4. ^ Extract from the Central Register of Charities maintained by the Charity Commission for England and Wales
  5. ^ "Who We Are". ASH. Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  6. ^ "England smoke ban to start 1 July", BBC (2006-12-01). 
  7. ^ "England to go smokefree on 1 July 2007: truly a time for celebration". ASH. Retrieved on 2006-12-01.
  8. ^ "Scotland smoking ban to go ahead", BBC (2006-12-01). 
  9. ^ Smokefree Action: Home Page
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