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20 June 2005 - Consultation on Smoking Ban
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Detailed proposals on how legislation on smoke-free enclosed
public places and workplaces would work in practice has been launched today.
The Choosing Health white paper is designed to hear views on the detail
of a smoking ban, which will lead to a Bill being introduced in the Autumn.
Some of the issues up for discussion include:
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timetable for implementation
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proposed enforcement measures
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how to define an 'enclosed' public space
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the definition of 'prepare and serve food'
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exemptions in general
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placing of signage
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the offences, penalties and defences
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enforcement
Public Health Minister Caroline Flint commented:
"The measures set out in 'Choosing Health' will save
thousands of lives in England, reducing deaths from cancer, heart disease and
diseases that smoking causes.
"The vast majority of workplaces will be smoke-free, reducing the harmful
effects of secondhand smoke.
"Government wants to hear from groups, particularly businesses, on the
practicalities of the proposals, so we end up with workable, consensus measures
which become law."
Smoking Facts
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is either banned throughout or limited to certain areas in
almost 90% of enclosed workplaces
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England leads the way in positive action to help people quit
smoking
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75% of the adult population now do not smoke
Choosing Health sets out proposals for the following:
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all enclosed public places and workplaces (other than licensed
premises which are dealt with below) will be smokefree
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licensed premises will be treated as follows:
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all restaurants will be smokefree
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all pubs and bars preparing and serving food will be smokefree
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other pubs and bars will be free to choose whether to allow
smoking or to be smokefree
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in membership clubs (as defined in the Licensing Act 2003), the
members will be free to choose whether to allow smoking or to be smokefree
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smoking in the bar area will be prohibited everywhere
The proposed timetable for the legislation:
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by the end of 2007, all enclosed public places and workplaces,
other than licensed premises (and those specifically exempted), will be
smokefree
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by the end of 2008 arrangements for licensed premises will be in
place
Consultation ends on 5 September 2005.
The White Paper can be found by clicking the following link:
Choosing Health: making healthier choices easier
For public enquiries please call 0207 210 4850
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