Smoking in public places

Government plans for a partial ban on smoking in public places have been met with a mixed reception.

 

Public health minister Caroline Flint launched a consultation on the plans on Monday, pledging that the "vast majority" of workplaces will become smoke-free.

 

The government has so far backed away from introducing a total ban, and its current plans will permit smoking to continue in pubs that do not serve food.

 

Government Response: Department of Health

 

Launching the consultation, public health minister Caroline Flint said: "The measures set out in 'Choosing Health' will save thousands of lives in England, reducing deaths from cancer, heart disease and diseases that smoking causes.

 

"The vast majority of workplaces will be smoke-free, reducing the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

 

"Government wants to hear from groups, particularly businesses, on the practicalities of the proposals, so we end up with workable, consensus measures which become law." 

 

Opposition Response: The Conservatives

 

Commenting on reports that the government is preparing to introduce an outright ban on smoking in all public places, shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said:

 

“The public health white paper makes it clear that the government’s position is the worst option and unsustainable.

 

“Patricia Hewitt should take the powers to ban smoking if the pub and club industry doesn’t do it voluntarily.”

 

Opposition Response: The Liberal Democrats

 

Commenting on the government's consultation on a smoking ban in England, Liberal Democrat health spokesman Steve Webb MP said:

 

“It is clear that ministers are reluctant to go for completely smoke-free enclosed public places because they fear it will be unpopular. The government must have the courage of its convictions. It may be that smoke free public places will be a welcome move.

 

“It makes no sense to allow exemptions for smoking in pubs which do not serve food. If the government are going to stop passive smoking because it is bad for you, then whether you are eating or not is irrelevant.”

 

Stakeholder Response: The Local Government Association

 

 

 

Local government experts will be crucial to ensuring the new consultation on smoking law is practical and achievable.

 

With smoking at the forefront of the public health debate, the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Local Authorities Co-coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) have made clear their commitment to smoke-free public places and are helping the Department of Health identify barriers and solutions to make any proposed legislation work.

 

It is now vital that close attention is paid to the definitions of certain key words such as 'smoking' and 'enclosed areas' to ensure that people know what they can and can't do and councils know what to enforce and that it is enforceable.

 

Cllr David Rogers OBE, Chairman of the LGA's Community Well-being Board, said: "It is critical that the practical considerations of a smoking ban be thought through. Enforcement could effectively be impossible without appropriate clarification. Policy needs to work in practice and detailed discussion and consultation with local authorities on the details of the consultation is needed, especially around the issues for enforcement. 

 

"Local councils will be the main body responsible for enforcing the Bill, they are also uniquely placed to understand how the Bill will impact on residents, employees and businesses and broker a process which is achievable and workable. The LGA will also be pressing Government for reimbursement of any extra financial burdens incurred so councils can be sure there are the resources to make the law enforceable.

 

Cllr Rogers continued: "Given the public health threat of second-hand smoke, we urge the government to consider an earlier timetable for implementing this. Education, social services, transport, housing, sports and leisure services and the local environment all play a major part in people's health. That is why councils' responsibilities and ability to join up services at a local level is so vital in addressing this issue."

 

Cllr Geoffrey Theobald OBE, chairman of LACORS said: "Exposure to second-hand smoke is known to be a hazard to health, affecting both smokers and non-smokers alike. If there is to be legislation that will make public places and work places smoke-free in the interest of public health, then local authorities will be key in taking forward the government's plans in this area. We therefore seek legislation that is clear in its definitions, straightforward to enforce and above all fair to all those concerned."