We're Considering A Smoking Ban, Says Blair
 4 June, 2004

Anti-tobacco campaigners welcomed news today that the Government is considering outlawing smoking in enclosed public places.

Prime Minister Tony Blair said ministers were considering a ban on smoking in the workplace, but could leave the final decision to local councils.

Cancer Research UK and campaign group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) said a smoking ban in pubs, bars and restaurants would protect the public and staff as well as encourage smokers to kick the habit.

Mr Blair told BBC Breakfast today: “We are considering it (a public smoking ban) and that’s as much as it is at the moment.

“Until we have done the various consultations, it would be wrong to give a final view.

“What we know is there is no doubt about the damage smoking does, and for a lot of people who aren’t smokers, they would prefer to be in an environment where there’s not smoking taking place.

“In the end, though, you have also got to have some local decision-making in this.”

The Prime Minister’s comments echo the views of Health Secretary John Reid, who has said he is awaiting the outcome of the public health consultation before making any decisions on a possible ban.

Mr Blair also said governments “had got to be careful” about banning activities.

Some campaigners claim the Government is being scared off introducing a public smoking ban because of accusations of a “nanny state”.

Ireland and Norway have recently banned smoking in the workplace, and bans are also in operation in other cities around the world.

ASH director Deborah Arnott warmly welcomed the Prime Minister’s backing for action on second-hand smoke.

“It’s a major health and safety hazard – second-hand smoke in the workplace causes about 700 premature deaths every year.

“And we know that ending smoking in workplaces and enclosed public places is the single simplest and most effective thing the Government could do to encourage more smokers to quit,” she said.

Ms Arnott added: “We would like to see an end to workplace smoking across the country.

“But new powers for local councils to act in their own areas would be an important and very welcome step in the right direction.

“We hope to see a clear proposal for legislation in the public health White Paper due this autumn.”

Jean King, director of tobacco control at Cancer Research UK, also said there was “abundant evidence” that breathing in other people’s tobacco smoke carried serious health risks.

“A ban on smoking in public places – such as is in effect in Ireland and Norway – would safeguard employees and encourage more smokers to quit.

“We are very pleased to hear that the Government is taking people’s concerns on this issue seriously.

“Surveys have revealed overwhelming support across the UK for a ban on smoking in public places,” she said.

But smokers’ lobby group Forest said any attempt to ban smoking in public, especially in pubs, clubs and restaurants, would be “fiercely resisted”.

Forest director Simon Clark said that according to their opinion polls, a majority of people were opposed to a blanket ban.

“They want a choice of smoking and no-smoking areas and better ventilation.

“Smoking is already heavily restricted, if not banned, in most public places, such as offices, shops and public transport.

“There is no need or justification for further controls.

“Legislation would be like taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut and would be deeply resented by many of Britain’s 13 million smokers.”