Geen totaal rookverbod
De Engelse overheid streeft niet naar een totaal rookverbod naar Iers model. De Minister van Volksgezondheid, Caroline Flint, onthulde wat meer details van de regeringsplannen. Zo denkt ze een rookverbod op de werkplek te kunnen invoeren per eind 2007 en per 2008 in horecagelegenheden waar voedsel woordt verstrekt.
Aardig is dat men in deze tijd het publiek en andere organisaties de gelegenheid wil geven om commentaar op deze plannen te geven. Uiteraard vinden de Engelse anti-rokenorganisaties de plannen lang niet ver genoeg gaan…
Some of the issues that will be considered in the 11-week consultation include whether, for example, pub gardens would be included, and what sort of penalties would be implemented to enforce the ban.
It also seeks to define what an enclosed public space is – with bus shelters, football stadiums and railway stations all likely to be included.
It is also suggested that smoking be banned within one metre of the bar in pubs where smoking is allowed.
The consultation paper puts forward details on the general policy outlined in last year’s Choosing Health: Making Healthy Choices Easier White Paper.
Critics want England to follow the Republic of Ireland’s blanket ban on smoking in all pubs and bars.
Scotland is also planning a comprehensive ban expected to be introduced next year.
The Welsh Assembly will be provided with powers so they can reach their own conclusion about what to do about smoking.
