Prison to be smoke-free by January 2013

GUERNSEY Prison is to become only the second in Europe to introduce a smoking ban on inmates.

Deputy governor David Matthews yesterday played down fears that the change, which will come into effect in full by 1 January 2013, would antagonise prisoners – 115 out of 120, or 96%, of Les Nicolles' inmates smoke.

Mr Matthews said the changes, which will apply to officers as well – 39 out of 88 smoke – would be phased in.

This will include the introduction of non-smoking cells, a smoke-free wing, and eventually ceasing the sale of cigarettes to inmates.