UK Government supports smoking ban

Main Category: Smoking / Quit Smoking
Article Date: 02 Jul 2004 - 12:00 PST

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The government has given the clearest indication yet that it is considering a total ban on smoking by featuring it in a draft for its manifesto.

According to policy documents leaked to the Guardian newspaper the Labour party is behind a ban similar to the one that has been enforced in Ireland and New York.

A number of health studies are thought to be swaying the government including research from St George's and Royal free hospitals in London, which yesterday announced that passive smoking increases heart disease by 60 per cent.

The British Medical Association (BMA) is also due to call for a ban and will present the government with 4,500 letters from doctors in support.

Speaking at a conference in North Wales this week the BMA chairman James Johnson, said: "The government must take the next step and ban smoking in enclosed public places. It cannot rest on its laurels."

Continues........The Publican

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