Europe

In Europe, there are many new developments. A complete workplace ban, including bars and restaurants, was introduced in the Republic of Ireland in April 2004. In the Netherlands, a ban on smoking in the workplace (excluding the hospitality sector) was introduced in January 2004. Complete bans will also be introduced in Norway in June 2004 and in Sweden in July 2005.

USA

Nine states have passed smoke-free workplace legislation that includes offices, restaurants, bars, bingo halls, bowling alleys, nightclubs, casinos and public transportation: California (1998); Delaware (2002); New York (2003); Connecticut (2003); Maine (2004); Massachusetts (2004); Rhode Island (2004); Montana (April 2005); Vermont (June 2005).

Canada

In Canada, 11 of the 13 provinces and territories have bye-laws which deal with smoking in public places, and which ban smoking in the workplace. Some bans include restaurants and bars, in some they are exempt.

Australia

In Australia, the governments of the Australian Capital Territory and the state of South Australia have announced their intention to introduce legislation to ban smoking in restaurants and bars, as well as the workplace generally.

New Zealand

From December 2004 legislation will come into effect which will make all workplaces, including bars, cafes and restaurants smoke-free.

IN 2004, the UK Government’s Public Health White Paper outlined plans for a smoking ban across workplaces in England and Wales. Only private members clubs and pubs that do not serve food would be exempt.

In summer 2005 the Government conducted a three-month public consultation which concluded on 5 September. Weeks of discussion at Cabinet level followed during which various proposals were discussed. The present Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt is thought to have favoured a full ban on smoking in all enclosed public spaces, although as a ‘compromise’ it is thought she proposed a ban that would have allowed sealed staff-free ‘smoking carriages’ in non-food pubs.

Source: Forest Online

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