http://www.tobacco.org/newsfeed/country/bermuda.rss Latest top tobacco news headlines en-us http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061103/NEWS/111030151 http://tobacco.org/news/235732.html Non-smokers are no longer afraid to demand smoke-free environments. And Bermuda’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Cann, believes it is a direct result of the smoking ban which came into full effect a month ago. Dr. Cann said it was too early to determine whether the smoking ban had resulted in a decrease in the number of people smoking cigarettes, however he said there had been a definite shift in the attitudes of non-smokers. “There has been a change in culture and climate and we are finding that more and more people are comfortable telling smokers to refrain from smoking in their presence,” he explained. Meanwhile, a local physician, who asked not to be named, said a number of his patients are finding it extremely difficult to quit the addictive habit. The Royal Gazette Bermuda Fri, 03 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT http://www.bermudasun.org/main.asp?SectionID=72&SubSectionID=205&ArticleID=31093 http://tobacco.org/news/233502.html Removing dozens of cigarette machines from bars wasn’t cheap, distributor says The cigarette machines that have been removed from bars, restaurants and clubs as a result of the smoking ban which took effect on Sunday won't have any significant impact on cigarette sales, a distributor said. William Pitt, managing director of distributor Pitt & Co Ltd, said the process of removing some 100 machines from premises frequented by smokers wasn't cheap, but that it wouldn't have a long-term impact on sales. "We've adjusted our business model" to compensate for the disruption in sales, he said. Bermuda Sun mkennedy@bermudasun.bm (Mark Kennedy Sub-editor) Bermuda Wed, 04 Oct 2006 04:00:00 GMT http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060930/NEWS/109300167 http://tobacco.org/news/233085.html Anti-smoking activist Charles Jeffers has called for smoking to be banned near doorways. He says Bermuda should copy overseas examples such as California which in 2004 banned lighting up within 20 feet of a main entrance, exit, and operable window of all public buildings. His comments come as Health Minister Patrice Minors ruled out any exemptions to allow smoking in some bars, restaurants and offices under legislation that comes into effect on Sunday. The Royal Gazette Bermuda Sat, 30 Sep 2006 04:00:00 GMT http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060929/NEWS/109290141 http://tobacco.org/news/232995.html Government has refused to grant exemptions to bars which applied to opt out of the smoking ban which comes into full effect on Sunday. Smokers caught lighting up in public face fines of up to $250 while employers can be fined $1,000. Although the law was passed early this year, the six-month grace period on applying fines ends at 12 a.m. on Sunday. Asked if officers were ready to monitor the clampdown, Police spokesman Dwayne Caines said: "The Bermuda Police Service enforces whatever the law is." The Royal Gazette Bermuda Fri, 29 Sep 2006 04:00:00 GMT http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060819/NEWS/108190130 http://tobacco.org/news/230875.html The president of a private club hoping to avoid the Government smoking ban has outlined the reasons why he applied for an exemption. Joseph Hayward, of the Queen's Club in Hamilton, said that members and staff simply wanted to carry on lighting up. "They are happy with the way things are," Mr. Hayward told The Royal Gazette. "We are a private club. They are members and we feel we should oblige them." Chief Medical Officer John Cann has already revealed that more than a dozen venues are set to find out within a fortnight whether they have been successful in their battle against the ban, outlawing smoking in bars, restaurants and offices. The Royal Gazette Bermuda Sat, 19 Aug 2006 04:00:00 GMT http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060816/NEWS/108160155 http://tobacco.org/news/230225.html More than a dozen venues are set to find out within a fortnight whether they have successfully side-stepped the Government smoking ban. Chief Medical Officer John Cann yesterday declined to name the establishments that had submitted bids for exemptions from the new law. But he confirmed Government had received about 15 applications – mainly from private clubs. Most have cited support from members who want to carry on sparking up, and from bar staff happy to continue working in a smokey atmosphere. The top medic told The Royal Gazette: “The law allows for companies to ask for exemptions and some private clubs or bars have asked for them. There have been requests from a variety of places, but the bulk have been from private clubs.” The Royal Gazette Bermuda Wed, 16 Aug 2006 04:00:00 GMT http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060401/NEWS/104010167 http://tobacco.org/news/220821.html The new law makes it illegal to light up in public places across the Island including bars, restaurants, hotels, offices and schools. Cigarette vending machines are also banned. Those who break the rules could face a fine of $250 in the first instance and $1,000 fine for each repeat offence. However, there will be a six-month exemption from prosecution for people to get used to the new rules. A ban on selling cigarettes to under-18s and tobacco advertising at sporting events has been in place since January 1. Ian Gordon, president of Church Street-based Cuarenta Bucaneros, which supplies Cuban cigars, said: “I think that the legislation will have some impact on us, but it will not be major. Most of the hotels we supply have outside dining areas and patios, and in many cases already have a no-smoking policy within the building. I think the ban is more likely to affect pubs and clubs where cigarettes are part of the culture.” He added: “One positive impact that the ban will have is that smokers will want to dine alfresco. It will also definitely have health benefits and improve the ambience and environment in most pubs and restaurants.” The Royal Gazette Bermuda Sat, 01 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT http://uk.news.yahoo.com/01042006/325/bermuda-bans-smoking-bars-restaurants.html http://tobacco.org/news/220808.html A smoking ban in Bermuda's bars and restaurants began on Saturday with drinkers who sneak an illegal puff eventually facing fines of $250 (144 pounds). The ban also covers shops and other enclosed public places in the mid-Atlantic British territory, although there will be no prosecutions until October because of a six-month grace period to allow people to get used to the new law. PA News / Ananova Bermuda Sat, 01 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060214/NEWS/102140149 http://tobacco.org/news/217315.html The controversial film was shot during an "outside event" that had not been organised by Club Malabar, the venue's owner Lord Anthony Butterfield told The Royal Gazette. . . . The video shows men rolling and smoking cigarettes, and Mr. Butterfield said he was looking forward to April when smoking will be banned in enclosed public places, including nightclubs. He said that policing the club was difficult because it was often difficult to tell the difference between tobacco and cannabis in a club atmosphere, especially as many brands of tobacco are now scented. "Yes, people make their own cigarettes and I've thrown people out thinking it's weed and I have made a fool of myself," he said. [This graph only] The Royal Gazette Bermuda Tue, 14 Feb 2006 05:00:00 GMT http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051229/NEWS/112290101 http://tobacco.org/news/213470.html A majority of Bermudians who took part in a survey are in favour of a ban on smoking in all enclosed public places, including bars, restaurants, and hotels. A cross-section of Islanders was quizzed on whether or not they would like to see the blanket ban on smoking and also changes to the law to prevent the sale of tobacco products to under 18s and the banning of all cigarette vending machines. These tough new anti-smoking measures are to be introduced in stages during 2006 having been passed by the House of Assembly and Senators during December. The Royal Gazette Bermuda Thu, 29 Dec 2005 05:00:00 GMT http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051223/MIDOCEAN/112230130 http://tobacco.org/news/213364.html The number of smokers now forced to indulge their habit en plein air is testimony to the fact that so many companies in Bermuda today have banished smoking from their premises. It's a fairly recent shift in thinking. In the late 1970s there was a public outcry when one of Bermuda's two cinemas, The Island, tried out the then new social experiment of going smoke-free. Letters to the Editor flooded in and within a short space of time The Island closed its doors for good. More recently – perhaps as little as ten years ago – most office workers could freely light up at their desks, ashtrays piled high with butts beside them, while non-smoking colleagues sat quietly holding their breath. . . . Currently, a ban on tobacco in the workplace leaves smokers out in the cold. In future it could leave them out of a job. Could it ever happen in Bermuda? It might seem unlikely now, but then, just a few years ago the idea of banning cigarettes in bars seemed just as improbable. And such a move already has one backer. During last Friday's debate, Deputy Premier and medical practitioner Ewart Brown told the House of Assembly: "Smoking is the second major cause of death world-wide. Tobacco should be illegal." Perhaps the one consolation the island's smokers have is that, with the New Year just around the corner, now is the perfect time to stop. The Royal Gazette Bermuda Fri, 23 Dec 2005 05:00:00 GMT http://www.radiojamaica.com/news/story.php?category=6&story=22051 http://tobacco.org/news/213141.html Smoking in public places will be banned in Bermuda from next year after senators followed the lead of Members of Parliament in the House of Assembly and unanimously approved tough new tobacco laws. The new legislation, passed by the Senate on Wednesday, will make it an offence to light up in bars, restaurants, hospitals, hotels, offices and schools across the island. It will also see cigarette vending machines banned along with tobacco advertising at sporting events and will make it illegal to sell cigarettes to anyone under the age of 18. radiojamaica.com Bermuda Thu, 22 Dec 2005 05:00:00 GMT http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051219/NEWS/112190146 http://tobacco.org/news/212800.html An Island-wide smoking ban in public places will be discussed for the first time by Senators today. The Tobacco Products (Public Health) Amendment Act 2005 has been tabled for a first reading in the Upper House. MPs in the House of Assembly approved the Act, which will lead to a ban in bars, restaurants, offices and shops, on Friday. The Royal Gazette Bermuda Mon, 19 Dec 2005 05:00:00 GMT http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051217/NEWS/112170199 http://tobacco.org/news/212686.html Bermuda is on course to join a growing number of countries around the world that have outlawed smoking in all enclosed public places – be they hotels, bars, restaurants, places of work or shops and theatres. An Island-wide smoking ban in enclosed public places will now become the law of the land in 2006 if it is approved by the Senate following its acceptance by MPs in the House of Assembly yesterday. Senators are expected to discuss the ban when they meet next week. Making a case for the strict ban, Health Minister Patrice Minors referred to a raft of statistics and research that pointed to tobacco use being the second biggest killer of people in the world. The Royal Gazette Bermuda Sat, 17 Dec 2005 05:00:00 GMT http://www.bermudasun.bm/main.asp?SectionID=72&SubSectionID=205&ArticleID=27822&TM=55173.93 http://tobacco.org/news/212276.html If you’re a smoker who enjoys puffing away at the bar, Government’s plan for a blanket ban on smoking in any enclosed public place is probably less than welcome — but bar ownersdon’t share your concern. Instead pubs, bars and restaurants are broadly supportive of the plan, and believe that smokers’ gloom will not lead to a decrease in profits. Philip Barnett, spokesman for the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce’s restaurant and bars division, said: “There are some restaurants and bars whose owners are concerned because they perceive that a lot of their clientele smoke — but that’s why we wanted the ban to be across every premises. If the smokers can’t smoke in any bar [then no business loses out]. “We do see some difficulties but a ban is most important for the health of our staff — it’s probably a good thing,” he said. Bermuda Sun araine@bermudasun.bm Bermuda Tue, 13 Dec 2005 05:00:00 GMT