A ban on smoking in public places and workplaces came into force in England on Sunday, in a move the government said would improve the health of thousands of people. The ban brings England into line with the rest of Britain-public places went smoke free in Scotland in 2006, and in Wales and Northern Ireland in April this year.
From 6 am (0500 GMT), all public areas, offices and other enclosed or partially enclosed places of work, as well as most company vehicles, became no-smoking areas.
However, individuals will still be able to light up outside buildings, in gardens and in the backyards of eateries. Ireland became the first European country to impose a smoking ban in March 2004, and bans of varying degrees have followed in Norway, Italy, Malta, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, France, Finland and Iceland.
"A smoke free country will improve the health of thousands of people, reduce the temptation to smoke and encourage smokers to quit," Health Secretary Alan Johnson said. Britain's health ministry estimates the annual cost of smoking to the government-run National Health Service at between 1.4 and 1.7 billion pounds (2.1 and 2.5 billion euros, 2.8 and 3.4 billion dollars). The legislation aims to reduce the exposure of non-smokers to the health risks of smoking, such as lung cancer, and cardiac and respiratory illness. The World Health Organisation classes passive smoking as a carcinogen.
All tobacco products-cigarettes, pipes and shisha waterpipes-and also certain products without tobacco-eucalyptus and menthol cigarettes-are now banned in public places, including station platforms, pubs and restaurants. Those breaking the law will be treated severely-a smoker caught in the act faces a fine of up to 200 pounds, and businesses that flout the law face fines of up to 2,500 pounds.