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E U R O P E

Towards Accommodation

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Though the debate over smoking is not unique to Canada and United States, Europe is taking quite a different approach to this issue. Notwithstanding the U.S.-supported antismoking "studies" and campaign, Europeans are more impervious to the anti-smoking industry propaganda machine, mostly dismissing the North American approach to the issue as "just another American hysteria".

Well experienced with past totalitarian mentality, fascist approaches no longer fascinate Europeans, for they have realized at great cost that the only way of coexistence is through dialogue, understanding, interaction and ACCOMMODATION OF ALL.

Let us see how Europe is dealing with the issue of smoking: once again, an example of civilization.

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England

• In 1994 the UK Health and Education Authority (HEA) stated that "Surveys show that non-smokers may also feel uneasy about having a total ban on smoking, and worry about creating unnecessary tensions between workmates and colleagues".

• The British Hospitality Association (BHA) launched "The Courtesy of Choice" Programme in the UK in March 1995, offering training to staff and advising business owners and hoteliers on effective ventilation and how to accommodate the preferences of all guests, smokers and non-smokers.

• In 1995, the Trade Unions Congress and the Confederation of British Industry expressed the view that smoking policies operated by companies should be based on consensus between employers and employees and that smokers should not experience discrimination at work.

Italy

• A 1993 survey among managers in Italy revealed that for 74% of personnel managers "smoking is not a problem", and that for 72% "smoking has never been an element of disagreement among workers".

Denmark

• A 1993 survey in Denmark has shown that 94% of the population is against legislation regulating smoking at the workplace. (PM-AIM/Nielsen Research 1992).

Finland

• A 1993 survey in Finland clearly shows that 81% of the population does not consider smoking a problem, and it is against regulation of smoking in the workplace. (IMU 1992)

Sweden

• In 1993, a large survey demonstrated that for 90% of the Swedes smoking is neither a danger, nor an annoyance, and regulating smoking in the workplace is out of the question. (PM - Testologen 1992)

Belgium

• In Belgium, a 1993 Royal Decree imposes a smoking policy at the workplace, the detail of which is determined by the employer: "The employer must take the necessary measures to establish the conditions of tobacco use during work hours, including rest breaks and meal breaks, taking into consideration the reciprocal needs of smokers and non-smokers. These measures must be based on mutual tolerance, respect of individual liberties and courtesy. If necessary, the employer must take additional technical measures in order to eliminate the annoyance caused by environmental tobacco smoke".

• According to a 1994 survey, 78% of personnel directors think that the Belgian Royal Decree is "a good solution because it encourages tolerance, acknowledges the problems related to tobacco issues and leaves the initiative in this area to the companies".

Spain

• In May 1994, the Madrid Autonomous Community Department and the Madrid HORECA Association (AMERC) signed a General Agreement which fosters accommodation of smokers and non-smokers in the city's restaurants and cafeterias.