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The government has announced that it is considering a ban on smoking in public places. It could follow in the footsteps of Norway and Ireland and introduce a nationwide smoking ban or it could just give more powers to councils allowing them to introduce local bans.

Anti-smoking and medical groups have long been campaigning for a full ban on smoking in the workplace, and this would include pubs and restaurants. However, the smoking lobby and the hospitality industry argue that this will restrict our freedom of choice.

The government has said that it hasn�t made up its mind on the issue yet. A final decision won�t be reached until more people have been consulted. This is your chance to get involved now and have an impact on government policy.

What are the arguments?

For: The lobby for a smoking ban has focused its arguments on the health risks of smoking.

Passive smoking is dangerous: It is estimated that second-hand smoking in the workplace causes about 700 deaths each year

A majority of people favour a smoking ban: A survey in April 2004 found that a majority of people would support a smoking ban

More smokers would be encouraged to quit: A poll by Mintel found that 15 percent of smokers said they would quit smoking if a ban was introduced

The �voluntary approach� has failed: Many pubs and bars still allow smoking potentially putting their staff at risk

People have a right to protect themselves from smoke inhalation: People shouldn�t have to inhale the ill-effects of other people�s smoking
Against: Those opposing a smoking ban say that freedom of choice would be affected by such legislation.

People want restrictions not a ban: A Populus poll indicated that people would like to see restrictions on smoking rather than an outright ban

People should have the freedom of choice: A complete ban on smoking in the workplace would impact on freedom of choice and civil liberties

Smoking bans damage business: A smoking ban could lead to a significant fall in takings from bars, restaurants and casinos

The bans don�t affect smoking habits: In areas where smoking bans are in place there has been little change in the proportion of people smoking

Self regulation is the solution: Employers should introduce smoke-free areas and better ventilation according to customers� wishes rather than national legislation

The picture is more complicated: The figures can be misleading. While people may support a ban in restaurants they would not necessarily support an all-out ban in pubs and bars.
What can I do now?
The government has said that it is only considering a ban. It hasn�t reached a final view on whether such a ban should be national policy or not.

Whether you support or oppose a ban on smoking in public places, there are a number of steps you can take to find out more and make your voice heard.

Talk to the relevant organisations

Forest, an organisation to protect the interests and rights of smokers, says that a smoking ban restricts choice. They are running a campaign against a ban on smoking in public places

Action for Smoking and Health (Ash), a public health charity which campaigns against smoking, believes smoking in the workplace is dangerous to health. Read their full briefing on the issue

Tobacco Manufacturers� Association claims that people want a choice between smoking and non-smoking places. They have launched a website, �What the people really think about public smoking�

The British Medical Association claims that 1,000 people die each year as a result of passive smoking. Read their report presenting the case for smoke-free workplaces

The hospitality industry, which includes Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers and the The British Beer and Pub Association don�t want legislation saying that the industry is well aware of what the public wants and can self-regulate. Many organisations have signed up to a smoking charter

Cancer Research UK says a ban on public smoking would safeguard employees from passive smoking and encourage others to quit. Read more about their position on smoking in public places
Contribute to consultations
There are a number of consultations around the country that you can contribute to.
The Department of Health has a consultation on public health which asks some questions about smoking. The big smoke debate is a consultation organised by public health agencies around the country to get your views on smoking.

You can also send your views into the Big Conversation, which is the Labour party initiative to get in touch with public feeling on a range of issues. If you are a doctor that opposes smoking in public places, you can sign up to the petition organised by Doctor Online

Lobby your local
The pub and bar industry signed up to a charter in 1999 to improve ventilation and increase the number of pubs with non-smoking areas. Whether you support or oppose smoking in public places, you can lobby your local pub or bar to try and have an impact on their policy.


JD Wetherspoons chain supports a total ban on smoking in public places

The Laurel pub company has banned smoking in 50 of its outlets. It doesn�t support a total ban but believes there should be greater choice
Talk to your employer
There is guidance about smoking in the workplace from the Health and Safety Executive. It says that in some cases, an all-out ban on smoking may be justifiable. In all other cases, employers should have a specific policy about smoking in the workplace. The Health Development Agency has a guide for employers on smoking in the workplace. Find out what your employers� policy is and whether it is appropriate.

Talk to your council
The government could give local councils the power to make a ban on smoking in public places compulsory in their area. Denbighshire council in Wales has already voted to ban smoking on all council property, even outside council buildings. Let your council know early on what your views are on the issue. You can read the iCan guide on How councils & councillors can help you.

Talk to your MP
Your MP is your representative in parliament, and if you have strong concerns you should let them know. The iCan guides, How to lobby political representatives and How to influence decision-makers are a useful starting point. You can also read the guide, Understanding what MPs do and how they can help you.

Get campaigning
We have a section on iCan all about smoking. If you want to take action yourself read the iCan guide, How to start a campaign and set up a group, or go to our take action page to post a notice and see if other people in your area share your concern.