Smoking Bans
List of smoking bans in various countries
General
England and Wales
16 November 2004
Public Health white paper proposed a smoking ban in almost all public places.[1]
Smoking restrictions would be phased in, with a ban on smoking in NHS and government buildings by 2006, in enclosed public places by 2007, and with the restrictions on smoking in licensed premises introduced by the end of 2008. Up to 90% of public bars could be affected; smoking would still be allowed in pubs which limit their food sales to snacks such as crisps, rather than prepared meals.
There was supposed to be wide consultation, including with the catering and pro-smoking lobby.
26 October 2005
Government announces plans to go ahead [2]
All workplaces, including restaurants and pubs selling food, to have a ban in place by summer 2007, but non-food pubs and private members clubs would be exempt, and the concept of "smoking rooms" to be examined.
Ban to be reviewed within three years of being introduced.
Chief medical officer reconsiders resigning over the lack of a full ban. [3] Considers the fact he was "ignored" put him in a difficult decision - no mention of what sort of position others that were ignored were put in.
14 February 2006
Proposed extension to the ban to all enclosed public spaces except private members clubs voted through with a majority.
Subsequent proposed extension to include the ban private members clubs also voted through with a majority, overriding the previous proposal. This was then passed by the House of Lords.
30 November 2006
Ban announced to start the following July.
1 July 2007
A total ban on smoking tobacco products of any kind in an enclosed 'public' space or a space where 50% or more of the sides of the space were enclosed by walls introduced.
This includes, not only 'public' buildings, but 'buildings where members of the public might go' such as public houses (pubs), shops, and bus stops that fit the 50% sides rule. Even some phone boxes were covered by the ban.