Date Published: 1 December 2006

Heart health campaigners celebrate the prospect of smoke-free 2007

Patricia Hewitt, Health Secretary, has announced today that all enclosed public places and workplaces will become smokefree from 1 July 2007.

The British Heart Foundation is delighted that the Government has named a date when England will see the introduction of a ban on smoking in enclosed public places, including all pubs and private members clubs.

Betty McBride, Director of Policy and Communications at the BHF, said:

" Exposure to secondhand smoke by non-smokers for just half an hour is enough to damage the lining of the heart's arteries and increase the risk of a heart attack. We are delighted that the hearts of workers and the public will be protected.

_ In spring/summer 2007 ‘no smoking' signs will be popping up like measles across the country – there will never be a better time to quit.

_ In fact, 2.8 million smokers say the ban will help them give up and we call on the Government to help these people capitalise on their good intentions by strengthening smoking cessation programmes across the nation.

_ Ireland and Scotland have led the way with awareness campaigns to ensure everyone is ready for the introduction of smoke free public places.

_ The Government must make certain that resources are in place to enable English businesses and the public to prepare."

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