Partial smoking ban will brand England as ‘health-policy laggard'

A partial ban on smoking will mark England out as a health-policy laggard rather than a health policy leader according to the Government's chief medical officer.

Speaking to an influential panel of MPs today, Liam Donaldson said current proposals to only partially restrict smoking did not go for enough.

He advocated a complete ban on smoking in all enclosed public place.

"There is no argument on the grounds of public health and protection of workers not to introduce a total ban - other countries are falling like dominos on this issue and a partial ban is unworkable."

Donaldson said he had considered resignation when the Government ignored his advice and stuck with its plan to allow pubs not serving food to retain smoking when restrictions come in mid 2007.

"The current proposals are unsatisfactory," said Donaldson who has decided to stay on in his role in order to continue to push for a complete ban. "It leaves those most exposed bar workers] unprotected, and will increase health inequalities in the country, especially in pubs in the North."

Donaldson said that Norway had tried to introduce a partial ban in the 1980s but had found it unworkable. The country subsequently opted for a total ban introduced in 2004.

But Health Minister Caroline Flint, who also gave evidence at the meeting, defended the Government's half way house initiative describing it as a "radical" step.

By Chris Druce

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