Smoking Ban Information
Where will smoking be banned?
Smoking in all public places like pubs, cinemas, offices, factories, public transport and so on will be banned. Smoking will also be banned in other public places classed as "enclosed". Ministers have yet to decide whether that will cover sports grounds, train platforms and bus shelters.
The only workplaces exempted will be residential care homes, jails, hotel bedrooms and private homes with staff such as nannies. Most offices are already smoke free because of concerns about prosecutions under existing health and safety legislation. But the new law will consign "smoking rooms" to history and make lighting up illegal.
Where will you be able to smoke?
People will still be able to smoke outdoors, and in private homes, plus places that Ms Hewitt says are "like homes", such as care institutions, army barracks, and prisons.
When would a ban come into force?
A full smoking ban has come into force in Scotland already. The rest of the UK is set to follow by imposing a total ban next summer 2007. Wales intends to implement a blanket ban under powers to be given to the Welsh Assembly by the Health Bill.
What were the winning arguments for a full ban?
Those demanding a total ban argued it was a matter of public health, particularly protecting people working in pubs and private clubs from the effects of passive smoking. They said that having a partial ban would give private clubs an unfair economic advantage against nearby pubs. They also said that allowing smoking in pubs, which do not serve food, would widen health inequalities, on the basis that many pubs in less well off areas would choose not to serve food, so their clientele and staff would suffer the effects of passive smoking. Campaigners hailed the move as the greatest advance in public health for 50 years. Professor Alex Markham, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: "Today's vote will protect thousands of workers and save many lives."
What about those who opposed a ban?
Those wanting a partial ban claimed a full ban could hit clubs and pubs hard and was unnecessary. They said the government was infringing civil liberties, and could lead to places such as, for example, regulars at the Royal British Legion being unable to smoke. Many said that it should be up to the pubs and clubs themselves to decide whether to allow smoking.
What if I do not abide by the ban?
People caught lighting up will face £50 spot fines and premises that allow smoking will be fined up to £2,500. The only bars exempt will be those serving MPs in the Palace of Westminster, which classes as a royal palace.
