Menu
01/12/2006
England smoking ban to begin on July 1
The ban on smoking in public places and workplaces in England will come into effect from July 1, the government has announced.
The ban, which will affect virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces, will come into effect from 6am. This will include offices, factories, shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, membership clubs, public transport and work vehicles that are used by more than one person.
The law will also ban indoor 'smoking rooms', meaning that smokers will need to go outside instead.
All smokefree premises and vehicles will be required to display no-smoking signs.
The regulations providing the detail of how the smokefree legislation will operate are being finalised and will be laid before Parliament shortly.
Commenting on the ban, Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "This is a triumph for public health and a huge step forward for health protection. Thousands of people's lives will be saved and the health of thousands more protected. Smokefree legislation will protect everyone from the harm of secondhand smoke when working, socialising and relaxing and will provide a more supportive environment for smokers who wish to give up."
The Health Secretary has also launched a new Smokefree England campaign, which aims to help the country's 3.7 million businesses including nearly 200,000 pubs, bars, restaurants and other leisure outlets prepare for the implementation of the legislation.
Smoking bans have already been introduced in Scotland and the Irish Republic and bans will be introduced in Wales and Northern Ireland in April 2007.
(KMcA)
The ban, which will affect virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces, will come into effect from 6am. This will include offices, factories, shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, membership clubs, public transport and work vehicles that are used by more than one person.
The law will also ban indoor 'smoking rooms', meaning that smokers will need to go outside instead.
All smokefree premises and vehicles will be required to display no-smoking signs.
The regulations providing the detail of how the smokefree legislation will operate are being finalised and will be laid before Parliament shortly.
Commenting on the ban, Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "This is a triumph for public health and a huge step forward for health protection. Thousands of people's lives will be saved and the health of thousands more protected. Smokefree legislation will protect everyone from the harm of secondhand smoke when working, socialising and relaxing and will provide a more supportive environment for smokers who wish to give up."
The Health Secretary has also launched a new Smokefree England campaign, which aims to help the country's 3.7 million businesses including nearly 200,000 pubs, bars, restaurants and other leisure outlets prepare for the implementation of the legislation.
Smoking bans have already been introduced in Scotland and the Irish Republic and bans will be introduced in Wales and Northern Ireland in April 2007.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 October 2005
Government to introduce partial smoking ban
The government has announced plans to introduce a partial smoking ban, following reports of a Cabinet row over the proposals. The plans, introduced as part of the Health Improvement Bill, will see smoking banned in all public places in England, but there will be exemptions for pubs, which do not serve food and private members clubs.
Government to introduce partial smoking ban
The government has announced plans to introduce a partial smoking ban, following reports of a Cabinet row over the proposals. The plans, introduced as part of the Health Improvement Bill, will see smoking banned in all public places in England, but there will be exemptions for pubs, which do not serve food and private members clubs.
02 April 2014
Wales Could Restrict The Use Of E-Cigarettes In Public Places
New measures to address some of Wales' major public health challenges, including high levels of drinking and smoking, are being put forward by the Welsh Government today.
Wales Could Restrict The Use Of E-Cigarettes In Public Places
New measures to address some of Wales' major public health challenges, including high levels of drinking and smoking, are being put forward by the Welsh Government today.
28 April 2005
BMA reinforces call for UK-wide smoking ban
The British Medical Association (BMA) has reinforced its call for a UK-wide ban on smoking in public places, with the publication of a report which, it claims, will “counter the myths” generated by opponents to the ban.
BMA reinforces call for UK-wide smoking ban
The British Medical Association (BMA) has reinforced its call for a UK-wide ban on smoking in public places, with the publication of a report which, it claims, will “counter the myths” generated by opponents to the ban.
10 November 2004
Scottish executive backs smoking ban
The Scottish executive has today confirmed that it will seek a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places. In order to enforce the ban, pubs and restaurants that fail to enforce the law will face fines up to a maximum of £2,500.
Scottish executive backs smoking ban
The Scottish executive has today confirmed that it will seek a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places. In order to enforce the ban, pubs and restaurants that fail to enforce the law will face fines up to a maximum of £2,500.
04 June 2004
Government is considering smoking ban, Blair reveals
The Prime Minister has revealed that the government is considering allowing local councils to ban smoking in public places. Mr Blair told BBC Breakfast that there was a difficult balance to be struck a 'nanny state' enforcing a banning order, and allowing local councils and individual businesses to choose how they want to approach the issue.
Government is considering smoking ban, Blair reveals
The Prime Minister has revealed that the government is considering allowing local councils to ban smoking in public places. Mr Blair told BBC Breakfast that there was a difficult balance to be struck a 'nanny state' enforcing a banning order, and allowing local councils and individual businesses to choose how they want to approach the issue.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
