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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
|---|---|
| England smoking ban takes effect | England smoking ban takes effect |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| Smokers across England have sparked up at work and in the pub for the last time as the ban on smoking in enclosed public places begins. | Smokers across England have sparked up at work and in the pub for the last time as the ban on smoking in enclosed public places begins. |
| The new law, which came into effect at 0600 BST, is intended to cut deaths from second-hand smoke. | The new law, which came into effect at 0600 BST, is intended to cut deaths from second-hand smoke. |
| Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland already have similar bans in place. | Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland already have similar bans in place. |
| Many venues held farewell events for the final night of smoking on Saturday, while local authorities are preparing to enforce the ban. | Many venues held farewell events for the final night of smoking on Saturday, while local authorities are preparing to enforce the ban. |
| Doctors estimate second-hand smoke kills more than 600 people a year. | Doctors estimate second-hand smoke kills more than 600 people a year. |
| The government also hopes it will help smokers to quit, and discourage children from taking up the habit. | The government also hopes it will help smokers to quit, and discourage children from taking up the habit. |
| Fines | Fines |
| The new Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, welcomed the ban saying that tackling the causes of illnesses saved lives. | The new Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, welcomed the ban saying that tackling the causes of illnesses saved lives. |
| "A smoke-free country will improve the health of thousands of people, reduce the temptation to smoke and encourage smokers to quit," he added. | "A smoke-free country will improve the health of thousands of people, reduce the temptation to smoke and encourage smokers to quit," he added. |
| HAVE YOUR SAY What will happen when people give up smoking, what will the government do for revenue? Jan Matthews, Dalton-in-Furness Send us your comments Send us your pictures | HAVE YOUR SAY What will happen when people give up smoking, what will the government do for revenue? Jan Matthews, Dalton-in-Furness Send us your comments Send us your pictures |
| England's chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson said the ban was a "momentous move" and would prevent the deaths of both smokers and non-smokers. | England's chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson said the ban was a "momentous move" and would prevent the deaths of both smokers and non-smokers. |
| "We are removing from the air at a stroke 50 cancer causing chemicals, and that's bound to be good news for the exposure to risk," he said. | "We are removing from the air at a stroke 50 cancer causing chemicals, and that's bound to be good news for the exposure to risk," he said. |
| From Sunday anyone lighting up illegally could be fined £50 - reduced to £30 if it is paid within 15 days. | From Sunday anyone lighting up illegally could be fined £50 - reduced to £30 if it is paid within 15 days. |
| The figure rises to £200 if an individual is prosecuted and convicted by a court. | The figure rises to £200 if an individual is prosecuted and convicted by a court. |
| Businesses failing to comply with the ban could be hit with fines of up to £2,500. | Businesses failing to comply with the ban could be hit with fines of up to £2,500. |
| The ban has prompted protests by smokers and those concerned about what they see as the "nanny state". | The ban has prompted protests by smokers and those concerned about what they see as the "nanny state". |
| A legal challenge to the ban has been launched at the High Court by Freedom2Choose, which says the change in the law contravenes the European Convention on Human Rights. | |
| Smokers from the group defied the ban The Dog Inn in Ewys Harold, near Hereford. | |
| Landlord Tony Blows said he was prepared to go to court. | |
| Mr Blows said: "I'm doing it for the simple reason that this is my home. Mywife and I work 200 hours a week in this pub. It's private property and there's no way they can stop us doing it. | |
| "Pubs have been smoking for goodness knows how long and you just can't do that. It's been brought in on the back of a pack of lies." | |
| Decline in sales | Decline in sales |
| Others are worried that the ban will mean the demise of the traditional pub and other social haunts such as middle-eastern style shisha cafes. | Others are worried that the ban will mean the demise of the traditional pub and other social haunts such as middle-eastern style shisha cafes. |
| Market researchers Nielsen estimate beer sales in England and Wales could drop by 200 million pints each year because of the ban. | Market researchers Nielsen estimate beer sales in England and Wales could drop by 200 million pints each year because of the ban. |
| However, a survey by the Campaign for Real Ale suggested England's 6.2 million regular drinkers are likely to go out to pubs and bars more often after the ban. | However, a survey by the Campaign for Real Ale suggested England's 6.2 million regular drinkers are likely to go out to pubs and bars more often after the ban. |
| Its study also found that 840,000 people who currently do not go to the pub said they would do so after smoking was made illegal. | Its study also found that 840,000 people who currently do not go to the pub said they would do so after smoking was made illegal. |
| Mark Hastings, communications director of the British Beer and Pub Association, said that although the ban may lead to a small decline in beer sales, pubs would also see an increase in the sale of food. | Mark Hastings, communications director of the British Beer and Pub Association, said that although the ban may lead to a small decline in beer sales, pubs would also see an increase in the sale of food. |
| Did you take part in any of the "last night of smoking" parties in your local pub or club? | Did you take part in any of the "last night of smoking" parties in your local pub or club? |
| You can send your pictures and moving footage to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 . | You can send your pictures and moving footage to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 . |
| Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video | Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video |
| When taking photos or filming please do not endanger yourself or others, take unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. | When taking photos or filming please do not endanger yourself or others, take unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. |