Half of England unaware of smoking ban date

Almost half the population (45%) in England do not know when the country's smoking ban will come into force, according to a survey by the Department of Health (DoH).

Despite this, more than three-quarters (76%) support the principal of the ban on smoking in enclosed public places.

And if the survey of 1,700 adults is to be believed, pubs and bars should benefit from the legislation with increased levels of new or lapsed customers.

Over a third (36%) of those surveyed claimed a smoky atmosphere was the single biggest reason for avoiding a pub or bar and more than two thirds (67%) would rather spend the evening in a smoke-free venue.

In more good news for hospitality operators, 68% of those surveyed said the legislation would not affect how often they went to the pub.

Fifteen per cent say they will go to the pub more often.

Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said: "With just 50 days to go until England goes smoke free our aim is to ensure that everyone is aware of the new law, how it will affect them and what they need to do to prepare."

To combat the apparent lack of knowledge of the 1 July start date amongst the public a government TV campaign will begin next week (14 May) highlighting the impending ban.

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By Christopher Walton

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