Smoke ban (From Penarth Times)

Smoke ban

REGARDING charity shops in Penarth, it occurred to me that three of the eight shops in the town are concerned with cancer. I refer to Tenovus, Marie Curie Cancer Relief and the Cancer Research shop.

I am not opposed to cancer charities, but I think much more could be done by government, Welsh Assembly, local authorities and health authorities to campaign against smoking, since it is known that it is one of the major causes of some cancers.

Where existing smokers are concerned, there is a problem - and I am not lacking in empathy for those hooked on cigarettes, which include some of my close relatives, friends and acquaintances.

The main target should be to discourage the younger generation from smoking.

Unless this is dealt with by the public authorities much more energetically and effectively, collecting modest sums in charity shops can be second best.

This is without any animus against pleasant, well-meaning folk who work in these establishments.

But unless cigarette advertising is completely banned and anti-smoking propaganda increased, how can we be dealing with what has been identified as one of the prime sources of cancer?

There are other areas of concern, such as air-pollution, unhealthy diets and lifestyles, where the government has been too laid back.

Dealing with problems at the root is surely better than fiddling around when it is too late to close the stable door.

Michael O'Neill Warley House Railway Terrace Penarth