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Responses to the consultation on the smokefree elements of the Health Improvement and Protection Bill

This document sets out the background to the consultation on the smokefree elements of the Health Bill; summarises the consultation responses; and sets out how the legislation is moving forward.

There were over 57,000 responses to the consultation comprising 50,500 from individuals and over 4,000 from people running licensed premises.  The vast majority of respondents called for the proposed policy to be changed to a complete ban on smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces.

The results of the consultation were balanced against what was available from public opinion surveys and attitudes and following consideration of the responses to the consultation, the Health Bill was published on 27 October with proposed powers to make almost all enclosed public places and workplaces smokefree. The Bill as introduced provides for a complete ban on smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces, but gives the Secretary of State the power to make Regulations exempting specific places or areas.

The consultation brought to light the need for further consideration of exemptions. The proposal also recognises the balance of public opinion and the commitment made in the Labour Party Manifesto.  However, the Department will consult further in detail on, in particular, how to define those foods that will not be allowed in smoking pubs and bars; and on how to make practical the commitment that 'to protect employees, smoking in the bar area will be prohibited everywhere', as it applies in membership clubs and smoking pubs. 

• Download Responses to the consultation on the smokefree elements of the Health Bill (PDF, 76K)