Smoking ban confirmed
Smoking will be banned in cafes and restaurants and in pubs that serve food, the Health Secretary John Reid has announced.
It will also be banned in enclosed spaces such as offices, factories and all Government departments by 2006.
But it will be permitted in private clubs if members vote to allow smoking, and in pubs that do not serve prepared food – except at the bar itself.
Dr Reid told the House of Commons that it was a “sensible solution” that balanced the protection of the majority with providing choice to the minority.
But Conservative shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley accused the Government of coming up with “gimmicks and a nanny state”.
The plans are part of a wide-ranging White Paper on public health, which also covers the problems of obesity, sexually transmitted infections and poor workplace conditions.
To tackle obesity, the Government will introduce a simple code for processed food to indicate their fat, sugar and salt content. It is also asking Ofcom to consult on television advertising to children, while in schools it plans to develop “whole school approaches” to health and fitness.
On sexual health, Dr Reid announced a new national targeted campaign to tackle chlymidia and an acceleration of the chlamydia screening programme. He also outlined a new target for sexual health clinics to provide appointments within 48 hours.
Dr Reid was keen to play down the image of the “nanny state” – despite cries of “nanny Reid” from the opposition benches. He said it was the Government’s duty to provide people with clear information to allow them to make decisions. “Our starting point is informed choice,” he told the House.
He also revealed that the Government would create a new information service – health direct – available by telephone, online and through digital television to provide advice on health and diet to anyone who required it.
