No-smoking law set for July 2007 start

摘要

ENGLAND'S workplace smoking ban is likely to be delayed slightly next year due to pressure from pub operators. Ministers had previously favoured a May start date for the near-total prohibition of smoking in enclosed public places but are now believed to have approved a move to July in response to lobbying by the big pub and bar chains. Despite the expected delay, the Department of Health took another step towards the ban last month with the publication of the draft regulations to enforce it. The proposed regulations follow closely those that have been in force in Scotland since March this year, with some minor variations, including as allowing smoking on stage during theatrical performances.