A ban on smoking in public places in England has come into force – bringing it into line with the rest of the UK, and many other countries throughout the world. At a private members’ club in London, they had what they called “The Final Cigar Dinner” Individuals who flout the law could be fined up to 300-euros. Businesses could be hit with a 1500 euro penalty for failing to display no-smoking signs. They also have to be displayed in churches.

Campaigners in England have welcomed the move calling it the biggest boost to public health since the UK National Health Service was formed in 1948. Ireland was the first country in the world to outlaw smoke in public places. That was three years ago, and their example has spearheaded a growing list of countries to introduce a ban.

Commercial analysts in England reckon the hardest hit will be nightclubs, casinos and bingo halls – though they believe restaurants will benefit most from the ban, by attracting new clientele who were previously put off by a smoky atmosphere.

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