Breath of fresh air

How one city pub is helping its regulars adapt to the new smoke-free laws.

(Left to right) Pub regulars Paula and Bob Grant, Luke Anderson and Joan Scaum.

Landlady of The Three Crowns pub Jackie Hall is helping smokers quit

Representatives from hundreds of Hull businesses attended a conference at the KC Stadium where they found out more about how the new smoking laws will affect them

Helping people quit: Mandy Trezise

It was the fear of missing a try that made them want to stop.
When rugby-mad regulars at The Three Crowns pub on Anlaby Road realised they’d have to nip outside for a cigarette during matches, they thought they might as well quit altogether.
The pub is now one of the first in Hull to set up a stop-smoking group to help regulars cope with the new smoke-free laws which forbid smoking in enclosed public spaces.
“Some of the regulars thought ‘oh my God is it my cigarettes or is it the match?’” says pub manager Jackie Hall, who has set up the group with the help of the NHS Stop Smoking Support Service.
“We’re all in the same boat and it’s not going to be easy - I’ve been smoking since I was 13 - but if we all support and encourage each other there’s a much better chance of us succeeding.”

Saving money

Every week Jackie now encourages group members to think about the money they would normally have spent on cigarettes.
“If we all start saving we should have plenty of extra money in time for Christmas.
“Hopefully we’ll get a bit of competition going with people betting each other about how long they can keep it going.”

Planning ahead

Group sessions, which take place in the bar every Tuesday night, are attended by two stopping-smoking experts from the NHS, who give a short talk before examining each individual’s progress and needs.
“It’s not like school or Alcoholics Anonymous- we just sit around and talk.” says Mandy Trezise, smoking cessation operations manager.
“Some people who attend sessions might still be thinking about giving up so we help them to choose the best method.
“It’s crucial that they plan how they are going to handle the difficult times.”

Forming new habits

In order to help the thousands of extra people across Hull who’ll be trying to give up as a result of the new laws which started on July 1, the local NHS has written to all publicans in Hull offering to help them set up stop-smoking groups.
Statistics show that almost 70 per cent of people who have support from the NHS manage to successfully give up.
However, only two per cent manage it on their own.
“Our concern is that a lot of people will be trying to give up without support,” adds Mrs Trezise. “So its vital that they contact us for help. Not all stopping smoking groups need to meet in pubs. If people would like to set up their own group they should give us a call.” (For contact details see below).