Liverpool lead taken up by councils nationwide
Support for a ban on smoking in public places and the workplace is growing across the country. Following Liverpool's decision to petition the Government for a city-wide ban, some of England's biggest cities and nearly 50 other councils have now added their support.
Sheffield, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Cambridge, Newcastle upon Tyne and London's 33 boroughs are calling on Government to legislate for a veto on smoking in all workplaces - including pubs, restaurants, clubs and bars.
In London, the Association of London Government (ALG) has voted to support a private bill to ban smoking in all enclosed public places.
The bill is being drafted and must be submitted to Parliament by the end of November to be included in the next legislative session.
The bill will be promoted in Parliament alongside the Ninth London Authorities Bill. A Select Committee would examine the case for a ban in a trial-like context. It would have support from most of the capital's 33 councils and ALG chairman Sir Robin Wales.
However, the proposals are unlikely to be successful unless granted Government support. The ALG has said the bill is a way of persuading the Government to outliine its own plans.
Scotland held a public consultation on a ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces. With record public feedback in favour, an announcement from First Minister Jack McConnell is expected on 10 November.
It seems likely that the Scottish Parliament will propose primary legislation for a general ban on smoking in the workplace next month. Following a visit to Ireland, McConnell supports primary legislation on smoking.
A ban also has widespread support from MSPs across the political parties. But the timescale for such a ban to be imposed could be as long as two years.
In Wales, the National Assembly has called for powers to legislate for a ban and is currently undertaking a public consultation on the matter.
But Wales does not have the power to instigate primary legislation. Like London, its chances of success are entirely dependent on the whim of central Government.
Theoretically, the Northern Ireland Assembly would have the power to implement primary legislation to ban smoking in public places. However, the assembly is currently suspended.
Liverpool wants to ban smoking in all workplaces, including restaurants, pubs and bars. The city council voted unanimously for a smoking ban in the workplace this month, and is petitioning Parliament using a Local Act of Parliament (similar to the process used to introduce bylaws).
The bill has won support from Labour MP Louise Elman and Lord Falconer of Worcester.
