Why should smoking restrictions include pubs?
Pubs, bars and restaurants are areas where there are particular risks of heavy exposure to second-hand smoke, for workers and customers. If we are serious about protecting public health, it is necessary to include them in any proposed restrictions. International research shows that: • consumers, including smokers, quickly accept smoke-free as the norm • smokers can and do adjust • smoke-free areas discourage smoking uptake • restrictions in public places do not drive smoking into the home • the economic consequences to business are not likely to be large, and some sectors will see a beneficial impact.
