One hundred days of smoking left
The Government has stepped up its campaign to prepare the country for the smoking ban as there are only 100 days left until the 1 July start date.
Public health minister Caroline Flint launched the one hundred day countdown saying: "On 1 July, all enclosed public places and workplaces will become smokefree, a measure supported by the majority of people in this country.
"The new law will protect everyone from the harm of secondhand smoke at work and in public places, and will save lives.
We are now entering an important period, when all businesses should start preparing for complianceCaroline Flint, health minister.
"We are now entering an important period, when all businesses should start preparing for compliance. They should be removing all smoking rooms and start putting up no smoking signs.
"We are confident that with the support being provided by the Department of Health and by local councils, everyone should be ready in time.
"A snapshot survey carried out by the Department shows that more than three quarters of businesses are aware of the legislation. This is an encouraging picture, but obviously we need to ensure every business understands what actions they will need to take ahead of 1 July and has the support they need.
"To help businesses prepare, we will be sending out guidance and no smoking signs to every business with employees in England, some 1.7million, during April; while local councils will also be providing support and advice about smokefree law."
Carol Undy, National Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses said: "With just 100 days to go until smokefree legislation comes into effect in England, now is the time for businesses to make sure they know what they need to do to comply with the law. The Federation of Small Businesses welcomes the publication of this guidance which will help to focus the minds of businesses and provide them with the information and support they need to make an easy transition into smokefree working. We will continue to work with Smokefree England to ensure our members are clear in their responsibilities in the run up to 1st July."
Jean King, Director of Tobacco Control, Cancer Research UK said: "The evidence is clear that inhaling smoke from other people's cigarettes can cause cancer, so we welcome this legislation as it will ensure that everyone can enjoy a smokefree environment wherever they work or socialise. With 100 days to go this is a great time for smokers to think about quitting and for employers to think about the changes they need to be making to comply with the new legislation."
The survey of businesses and the public, commissioned by the Department of Health, says there is widespread support for smokefree legislation.
The Department of Health* 74% of the overall population support the legislation;* 77% of all businesses are aware of the legislation;* 65% of the population say that the legislation will not affect how often they go to the pub and 15% of the overall population say they will go more often;* 75% of the overall population believe that going smokefree will have a positive effect on health.
