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Smoke-Free UK

Public opinion seems to be with the anti-smoking lobby with a recent British survey

AS NICOTINE addicts shiver outside eateries on the sidewalks of New York, Labour MP Gareth Thomas has secured a second reading for his Bill to ban smoking in cafés and restaurants in the UK.  The legislation is aimed at preventing people from lighting up in any premises that sell food. 

Public opinion seems to be with the anti-smoking lobby with a recent British survey finding 53% – including 23% of smokers – wanting smoke-free restaurants, while 76% agreed that waiting staff had the right to work in smoke-free surroundings.

However, the Department of Health has blocked calls for a ban on workplace smoking, favouring a voluntary approach, which would seem to indicate the route the government would prefer to take. The Bill’s second reading will take place on July 11.

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