Smoking ban in England

Smoking in enclosed public places was banned in England from 1 July 2007.

The ban was the result of a long campaign, beginning with studies in the 1950s, demonstrating the link between smoking and lung cancer.

A review commissioned by the Department of Health on the impact of the smoking ban suggested that the ban had resulted in changes in attitudes and behaviours. Second-hand smoke exposure in children had fallen and hospital admissions for heart attacks had dropped significantly.

The smoking ban was not universally popular when it was brought in and MPs were given a free vote on the Health Act 2006, which brought in the legislation. Some campaigners suggested that the ban was disproportionate and illiberal, while the hospitality industry was concerned about the potential economic impact.