Blair hints at ban on smoking in public

Tony Blair hinted yesterday that the Government would allow councils to impose smoking bans in bars, restaurants and other public places.

The Prime Minister said a final decision had not been taken but there was no doubt that passive smoking posed a serious health risk. Anti-smoking campaigners welcomed his comments. They want Britain to follow the lead of New York and Ireland, which have banned smoking in public buildings.

Tony Blair supports a smoking ban in public places

The Government is likely to unveil more detailed plans in a White Paper on public health in the autumn. The proposal could feature prominently in Labour's election manifesto.

Deborah Arnott, the director of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), said: "Second-hand smoke in the workplace causes about 700 premature deaths a year.

"We would like to see an end to workplace smoking across the country. But new powers for local councils would be an important step in the right direction."

Tim Lord, the chief executive of the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association, said: "Legislation would replace successful, voluntarily policies with oppressive and costly bureaucracy, criminalising smokers and landlords."

Source: Andrew Sparrow, Political Correspondent. The Telegraph. (Filed: 05/06/2004)

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