England smoke ban: Reactions

Smoking in enclosed public places will be banned in England from 1 July next year, the government has announced.

There has been a range of reactions to the announcement.

PROFESSOR ALEX MARKHAM, CANCER RESEARCH UK

This announcement kicks off the final countdown to a healthier England and to thousands of lives saved.

There are mixed views on the ban

Making workplaces and enclosed public places smoke-free will bring about some of the most significant health improvements the country has seen in decades.

All employees - including those in pubs and clubs - deserve the right to work in a safe environment. The 1 July 2007 will be a truly historic day.

We also know that the vast majority of smokers want to quit. And the new law will give them the golden opportunity to give up for good.

DEBORAH ARNOTT, ACTION ON SMOKING AND HEALTH

After years of dogged campaigning for the right to work and socialise in places free of tobacco smoke, our goal is finally in sight.

The government should be congratulated for passing this landmark legislation that will have a lasting impact on the health of the nation.

This is truly a time for celebration. This law has popular support, is good for health and will be good for business too.

The only losers are the tobacco companies who have fought and failed to prevent this incredibly important measure from being implemented.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of countless organisations, politicians, health advocates and the support of the hospitality trade, the days of smoke-clogged rooms and stinging eyes are almost over.

SIMON CLARK, FOREST - SMOKERS' RIGHTS GROUP

We're not against smoke-free environments for those who want them but we urge local authorities to make it as easy as possible for pubs to develop outdoor areas where smokers and non-smokers can sit and socialise together in comfort.

Smokers are voters too Simon Clark, Forest

Many people did not realise how 'draconian' the ban will be.

From July next year it will not only be illegal to smoke in every pub, club and bar in the country, it will even be impossible to set up a private club run by smokers for smokers.

That's an amazing state of affairs, but typical of a government which seems determined to interfere in every aspect of our daily lives.

Smokers are voters too and if they continue to be marginalised and discriminated against it is bound to influence how some of them vote at the next election.

NICK BUSH, ASSOCIATION OF LICENSED MULTIPLE RETAILERS

We accept that a smoking ban is coming and that it is coming soon.

This announcement was of no surprise, but we are perplexed that the government has announced the start date without confirming what the licensed trade must do to comply.

Over a third of pub customers are smokers and this rises to 46% in community pubs.

The ban is an opportunity for us to improve our external facilities. But to take advantage of this, operators need clear, unambiguous and above all workable rules published well in advance of the ban's implementation to allow them to make the necessary changes to their business to accommodate smokers.

BRENDAN BARBER, TUC GENERAL SECRETARY

The UK's pubs, bars and restaurants will become healthier places to work overnight, and in the longer term fewer workers will fall ill or die as a result of second hand smoke.

But employers shouldn't leave it until the last minute before thinking about how to introduce the smoking ban in their factories or offices.

GRAHAM JUKES, CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

The regulations proposed by the government are well constructed and straightforward and as a result, in England, we can now look forward to the most comprehensive prohibition on smoking in indoor workplaces and public places of anywhere in the world.

However, local authority budgets are already set for next year.

So the additional resources that have been promised must be made available immediately to help them prepare their staff, support local businesses and inform the public about the restrictions on smoking that will be the requirements of this legislation.

DAME HELENA SHOVELTON, BRITISH LUNG FOUNDATION

This is a victory for all of us who have campaigned so vigorously to improve public health.

In the UK, smoking accounts for around 114,000 deaths every year and passive smoking at work is estimated to cause the death of two employees every working day.

Anything that helps to reduce this death toll is greatly welcomed.

The ban's implementation will also relieve the isolation of tens of thousands of people with lung disease, who have been unable to visit pubs and restaurants for fear of inducing an attack.

I believe the ban should go hand in hand with improved smoking cessation services to help those who want to stop smoking.