| Summary: | Background and challenges to implementation
Article 5.3 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
states that “in setting and implementing public health policies with respect to
tobacco control, parties shall act to protect these policies from commercial
and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in accordance with national
law”. The guidelines are applicable to
government officials, representatives and employees of any national, state,
provincial, municipal, local or other public institution.
The new Tobacco Control Plan for England states the
government will continue to uphold its obligation under the FCTC. Local authorities are also responsible for
meeting the treaty obligations.
Intervention or response
The Tobacco Control Collaborating Centre (TCCC) and Action
on Smoking and Health (ASH) worked with local areas to map key departments that
fall under the remit of Article 5.3, then review their activities and policies
for compliance with Article 5.3 and its guidelines. They used this audit to develop a strategy
that will protect their public health policy from the vested interests of the
tobacco industry.
Results and lessons learnt
ASH and TCCC have built a toolkit to support local
government to protect public health policy. The workshop will: Make the case for local government to
implement/amend policies in line with Article 5.3 Discuss the approach needed to embed
policies in line with Article 5.3 in local government setting and explore ways
of addressing the challenges that emerge Present materials designed to support this
process. Include a short case study from a local
authority who piloted the materials.
Conclusions and key recommendations
Embedding policies which protect tobacco policy from the
commercial and vested interests of the tobacco industry at every level of
government is an important part of ensuring strong delivery of tobacco control
across the whole of government. Local
administration face particular pressures and challenges that need to be
addressed through this process.
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