For more information go to Smoke Free England.

The law went into effect at 6:00 a.m. BST. (British summer time) on Sunday, July 1, 2007, for England. The countries of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland already have placed similar smoking bans into effect—which in each country is intended to cut down on the detrimental health effects from second-hand smoke; help current smokers to quit smoking; and discourage children and other non-smokers from taking up the habit.

Smoking in England is now essentially banned in all indoor public places and workplaces that are considered ‘enclosed’ and ‘substantially enclosed’. Such places include cinemas, pubs, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, taxis, public buildings. Smoking is not banned in homes and home-like settings such as hotels,

Fines for businesses and individuals alike have been implemented for those who fail to abide by the smoking ban. They will be enforced by local law enforcement agencies.

Some organizations and individual oppose the countrywide ban due to various reasons. Two reasons cited are the individual’s right of privacy and the long-held tradition of smoking within pubs and other liquor establishments found throughout England.

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