Labour MP Gareth Thomas is introducing a private member’s bill to ban smoking in any premises that sell food.

The first reading was passed by 115 votes to 43; the second reading will take place on 11 July, however it seems unlikely that ministers will actively support the bill. The TUC claims that a smoking ban could increase profits by encouraging non smokers to eat out and frequent pubs more and claims it would save the lives of 165 bar workers a year who suffer from passive smoking. The recent introduction of a smoking ban in New York’s bars and restaurants has been widely publicised.

The Irish Republic is set to ban smoking in bars and restaurants from New Year’s Day 2004. The Vintners Federation of Ireland representing some 6000 rural pubs claims the new law will be impossible to enforce and will drive many publicans out of business. However the Irish police, victim support groups and health organisations hope that the ban will also help to curb excessive drinking and alcohol related violence. In an attempt to pre-empt the ban, bar owners are trying to create smoke free areas but this does not necessarily provide a smoke free atmosphere for bar workers. Evidence of health benefits comes from the USA: following introduction of a ban on smoking in public in Montana, doctors reported that the number of heart attacks dropped by nearly 60% in six months.