Public Servant Lifestyle

All enclosed public places and workplaces become smoke free from 1 July.

The 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. Smoke free legislation will protect everyone from the harm of second-hand smoke when working, socialising and relaxing and will provide a more supportive environment for smokers who wish to give up.

Pictured (right): Patricia Hewitt, The Health Secretary announces the breakthrough decision to formally ban cigarette smoke from all UK workplaces and other confined spaces, on health grounds. Image is © Crown Copyright 2006

Evidence

"The scientific and medical evidence is clear - second-hand smoke kills, causing a range of serious medical conditions including lung cancer, heart disease, and sudden infant death syndrome 'SIDS' in children. This legislation will help to prevent the unnecessary deaths caused every year from second-hand smoke, and recognises that there is absolutely no safe level of exposure.

"Never has a health issue created such debate in Parliament, across government, through the business and the voluntary sectors, and amongst the general public. And the more it has been debated, the more people have responded and pushed the limits to ensure that enclosed public places and workplaces in England will become wholly smoke free.

"Where countries have gone smokefree the impact on the health of staff has been immediate and positive. And the experience of going smokefree in Ireland, Scotland, New York and elsewhere has been good for business.

"I would like to thank business groups, the leisure and hospitality industries and the many health organisations that have been involved for their support, which has helped to make this legislation a reality.

"It has been an incredible journey, but we still have a lot of work to do to support businesses to be ready for the implementation of the new laws."

Smokefree England Campaign

The Health Secretary has also launched a new Smokefree England campaign which will 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.

With the implementation of the smokefree elements of the Health Act, from 6am on 1 July 2007, virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces will become smokefree environments. 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 mean that indoor smoking rooms - still common in British workplaces - will no longer be allowed. So anyone wishing to smoke will have to go outside instead. Workplaces and businesses affected are being encouraged to not leave the changeover until the last minute, but to think about starting 2007 with the new regime.

All smoke free premises and vehicles will be required to display no-smoking signs. A full copy of the Government's proposals for regulations are available here.

Patricia Hewitt image is © Crown Copyright 2006

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