The European Healthy Stadia Network has published a set of new guidance materials to help sports organisations implement effective tobacco control policies at sports stadia.
Developed in close consultation with venue managers, security managers and tobacco control experts from the World Heart Federation, the guidelines were officially launched to UEFA’s 54 member associations at the European House of Football in Nyon on 16th February.
Building on research findings* that only 18 out of UEFA’s 54 European countries have football stadia that operate completely smoke-free policies, the guidance materials will prove a valuable tool for clubs, multi-purpose stadium operators and governing bodies of sport in the development and enforcement of strong tobacco control policies, supporting Healthy Stadia’s ambition for all European sports stadia and tournaments to adopt minimum standard smoke-free policies by 2020.
The guidance documents will be of particular assistance to sports organisations based in countries with weaker tobacco control legislation that does not cover stadium environments, offering the key health and safety reasons for adopting tobacco control policies, benefits to stadium operators, and a step-by-step framework on how to implement such policies.
Commenting on the new guidelines, Peter Gillieron, Chairman of the UEFA Fair Play and Social Responsibility Committee, said: “As part of its commitment to promoting active and healthy lifestyles, UEFA is glad to see the publication of new guidance to assist national associations and clubs who wish to implement tobacco control policies. Such policies protect the health and safety of all stadium users at football matches across Europe through the elimination of second-hand smoke”
Download the full set of guidance documents, including versions in English, French and German, here.
UEFA and Healthy Stadia are both partners of the World Heart Federation and supporters of World Heart Day.
