An award-winning anti-tobacco activist has proposed a ban on smoking at nightspots, saying this would bring wide-ranging benefits to society. Bang-on Ritthipakdi, the Association of Southeast Nations’ tobacco consumption control coordinator and recipient of the Luther Terry Award, said the government should designate entertainment venues as smoke-free zones. She has campaigned for the control of tobacco use by pushing for the enactment of laws regulating cigarette advertisements and the introduction of gruesome pictures showing the effects of smoking on cigarette packets.

The award is a tribute to Luther Leonidas Terry, the surgeon general of the US from 1961 to 1965, who is credited with bringing global attention to the health threats from smoking. It is given by the American Cancer Society in recognition of individuals who contribute to the anti-smoking cause.

Ms Bang-on said several countries, including Ireland, have imposed smoking bans in entertainment venues and succeeded in reducing smoking. Ireland’s public health ministry also received this year’s award.

Beneficiaries of tobacco-free zones would include night venue workers and young patrons. If the measure bears fruit, it would also reduce medical costs for treating those suffering from smoking-related ailments, Ms Bang-on said.

The first Thai receive the Luther Terry Award was Dr Prakit Vatheesathokkit, the Bangkok senator-elect and secretary-general of the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation. He won it in 2000.

Source: Bangkok Post