Public enjoying smokefree England

A three-month report issued by the Department of Health has found that the public is pleased with the introduction of the smoking ban which was introduced in England this summer.

Respondents to the survey stated that they were enjoying a healthier atmosphere in the workplace while also benefiting from cleaner air and not smelling of smoke after a night out.

Research found high levels of support for the smoking ban from both the general public and from business.

Three-quarters of adults were found to support the law and nearly 80 per cent thought it would have a positive effect on public health.

Of the 275,000 businesses inspected in the three months since the law came to England, 98 per cent were found to be compliant and 78 per cent said it was a “good idea”.

The minister of state for public health Dawn Primarolo described the report as “encouraging” and noted that it demonstrated public support for the smokefree law due to benefits in public health.

“People of all ages are reaping the benefits of healthier, less smoky work and social environments, which in turn are seen as an incentive for many to get out and socialise more,” she added.

Earlier this month, the Royal College of Physicians called for greater support for smokers who wanted to kick the habit.