Pentonville Prison imposes smoking ban on inmates

Date:

Share post:

Pentonville Prison has banned prisoners from smoking as part of a rollout of a smoke-free prison policy in England and Wales.

Pentonville tweeted on Sunday: “Another historic milestone as Pentonville goes non-smoking from today. Months of planning have led up to this date and we have a range of NRT options.

The Ministry of Justice first announced the ban in 2015 and ran a pilot scheme in 21 Welsh prisons.

An estimated 80 per cent of prisoners in the UK smoke, and criminal justice experts have warned of a backlash against the move if prisoners feel one of their few privileges is being taken away.

An independent report found a sharp increase in incidents of vandalism and violence after the ban was introduced at HMP Cardiff, attributed partly to the stress of withdrawal.

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said: “ASH welcomes the news that Pentonville Prison has gone smoke-free as part of the national roll-out of smokefree policies all in prisons across England and Wales.

“Prison authorities have a duty of care to protect the health of both staff and inmates, and smokefree policies will substantially improve their health and wellbeing.

“Prisoners are being given support to help them quit and those that want to continue using nicotine are able to buy e-cigarettes from prison shops.”

+ posts
spot_img

Related articles

‘Too little, too late’ – local businesses unimpressed by Hunt’s Spring Budget

Last week, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt presented his Spring Budget to the House of Commons...

‘It’s time to move on’: the selling of the Old Red Lion Theatre pub

Islington's famous Old Red Lion Theatre pub is due to be sold after being run by Damien Devine and his family for the past 24 years.

Vital funding granted to charities aiming to reduce men’s suicide rates

Charities in Islington have been awarded government funding for a new project aiming to reduce men’s suicide rates.   A...

Final week to save Whittington Hospital maternity unit

Islington residents only have three days left to have their voice heard about plans to close The Whittington...