Leeds Moves Towards a Smoke Free Council

10.01.45am GMT Tue 13th Dec 2005

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's Executive Board Meeting, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Mark Harris (Lib Dem, Moortown) has welcomed the latest step towards achieving a smoke free Leeds City Council.

Cllr Harris (Lib Dem, Moortown) said "Many Council workers such as cleaners, carers and those in hospitality services work in environments where they are exposed to second hand tobacco smoke. It is important that we protect them as far as we can. The Council actually approved a "Smoking at Work" policy back in 1993, but our predecessors did nothing to ensure that it was fully implemented. The current Lib Dem, Conservative and Green administration values the health of the Council's employees, and will do all it can to provide them with a healthy working environment."

"With around 35,000 employees, the Council is by far the biggest employer in Leeds. Providing a smoke free environment for our staff will therefore have a huge impact on the overall health of the Leeds population."

The views in this Press Release are those of the Liberal Democrat Council Group, and not necessarily those of Leeds City Council, its Officers or of the Liberal Democrat Party.