Health, Safety and Environment

UK Smoking Ban

Commons Vote on Health Bill

14 February 2006

As a result of a Commons vote on 14 February 2006, the Government's Health Bill will introduce a ban on smoking in workplaces, enclosed public places and licensed premises in England with a complete ban coming into force by the summer of 2007. This followed a TUC campaign for a "free vote" on the issue. MPs rejected options to allow exemptions for licensed premises and membership clubs. There will remain only a very limited option for special exemption orders.

Workplaces and premises that ignore the ban will face a £2,500 fine and individuals caught smoking in banned areas face a fixed penalty fine of £50.

The ban brings England into line with other countries who have introduced smoking bans, such as the Republic of Ireland, Sweden, Spain and New Zealand.

In the UK, Scotland will introduce a ban from 26 March 2006. Northern Ireland will follow suit in 2007, as will Wales.

Employers will be adopting new smoking policies to take account of the new legislation and its consequences, including issuing information to staff and signage.

National Health & Safety Officer, Dave Joyce, welcomed the smoking ban decision, saying "If Government estimates are correct, this will help over 0.5 million people to give up smoking as a result and, importantly, millions will now be protected from the discomfort and detrimental health effects of second hand smoke".

Changes and information regarding BT Smoking Policy.