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Smoking Bans Are Here!
Like it or not, smoking has been banned in all public indoor spaces throughout the UK. The UK smoking ban follows similar decisions made in several parts of Europe the USA. If you're a smoker in protest over the British ban, count your lucky stars you don't live in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, where the sale and use of tobacco is completely outlawed.
Where is smoking banned?
Smoking in all indoor public places is banned. Many places - such as cinemas and public transport - have rarely permitted smoking in recent years, and so it will be places like pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and private members' clubs that may feel the biggest impact of the ban.
Where will I be able to smoke?
You'll still be allowed to light up outdoors, in the home or places considered to be 'homes', such as prisons, care homes and hotels. Smoking could still be banned at certain outdoor locations that are 'substantially enclosed', such as football grounds and railway platforms. No decision has yet been made on smoking inside cars carrying passengers.
What will happen if I'm caught smoking now the ban is in operation?
If you're caught smoking in a banned area you could be fined 50.
But who's really going to care if I light up a sneaky one?
Those in charge of the premises would be fools to let you get away with it, especially considering that they could face a 2,500 fine if they fail to stop you. They could also be charged on-the-spot fines of 200 if they fail to display no-smoking signs, with the penalty increasing to 1,000 if the issue goes to court.
When did the bans come into force?
This depends on the area of the UK:
- Scotland - March 2006
 It's hoped that the ban will have a very positive impact on the Scottish nation, since smoking here is attributable to a shocking one in four of all deaths.
- Wales -April 2,2007
 The UK government allowed Wales to decide on its own smoking ban, despite the fact that the Welsh Assembly isn't normally given such wide-ranging powers. Wales was actually the first part of the UK to vote for a full smoking ban.
- Northern Ireland - April 30, 2007
 Three years after the Republic of Ireland's total ban, Northern Ireland is following suit. No-one has a right to subject colleagues and workmates to the dangers and hazards of second-hand smoke," says its Health Minister Shaun Woodward.
- England -July 1,2007
 The initial plans for a partial ban in England were binned because Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt felt it was impractical and wouldn't offer enough protection from passive smoking for workers in places such as bars and clubs.
For more details on the laws check the following sites: www.smokefreeengland.co.uk
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