Smoking will be officially banned in all workplaces and enclosed public places from 1 July 2007, the government announced today.
All UK offices, factories, shops, pubs, restaurants and membership clubs will become smoke-free.
Under the new Health Act 2006, it will also be illegal for employees to smoke in work vehicles used by more than one person.
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Health secretary Patricia Hewitt said: “Smoke-free legislation will protect everyone from the harm of secondhand smoke when working, socialising and relaxing and will provide a more supportive environment for smokers who wish to give up.
“Never has a health issue created such debate in Parliament, across government, through the business and the voluntary sectors, and amongst the general public,” she said.
