Smoking Ban: Now Time For Action

2.20.11pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 4th Jun 2004

Liberal Democrats today called on the Prime Minister to take action on a national ban on smoking in public places. This comes after the Prime Minister's comments that the government is considering introducing a ban on smoking in public places and will come to a view in the "next few months".

Paul Burstow MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, said:

"The Prime Minister is right to consider a ban and should introduce one on a national basis and not a piecemeal ban which only takes in certain parts of

the country.

"On straight public health grounds preventing smoking in public places would deliver a substantial health benefit. A ban would protect staff and customers from the effects of second-hand smoke, and would help many more kick the habit.

"The evidence for a ban in public places is overwhelming. The time for reflection is over. The time for action is now."