Gov't says 97% complying with smoking ban

Figures released by the Department of Health claim 97 per cent of premises In England inspected in the two weeks after 1 July were complying with the new smoking law.

Minister of State for Public Health, Dawn Primarolo, said: "When we introduced the smokefree law last month, we predicted that it would be largely self-enforcing based on experience elsewhere and the fact that three-quarters of the public supported the move.​

These figures confirm that, just as happened previously in Ireland then Scotland, England saw very high levels of compliance in the first few days​Minister of State for Public Health, Dawn Primarolo.

"These figures confirm that, just as happened previously in Ireland then Scotland, England saw very high levels of compliance in the first few days.

"All the signs are that businesses and the public have taken the new law in their stride.

"These high levels of real protection from second-hand smoke in public places and workplaces are a testament to everyone involved.

"Efforts from enforcement officers in local authorities and businesses, especially those in the hospitality sector and also the public have all contributed to making this country a healthier place in which to work and socialise."

So far, data has been collected from 88,899 inspections, which includes 1,090 hotels, 6,783 restaurants and 9,568 licensed premises.

Enforcement officers found that 97 per cent of premises were respecting the requirement to prohibit smoking in enclosed premises and 79 per cent were displaying the correct no-smoking signage. Compliance was even higher in smokefree vehicles, with figures of 98 per cent and 84 per cent respectively.

Although these figures only relate to the first two weeks, compliance is already comparable to the high levels experienced during the first month of smokefree in Scotland and Ireland. A similar pattern has also emerged with regards to signage requirements, with 'other' premises less likely to be compliant than licensed premises, accommodation and restaurants.

The DoH said during the first two weeks of inspections, it was only necessary to issue one fixed penalty notice to an individual wilfully flouting the law by smoking in a smokefree place.