UK, ban on smoking

Tomorrow a UK-wide ban on smoking in enclosed public places takes effect. The fact that New Labour has been able to introduce such a ban suggests it is catching a public mood. A smoke-free England will see the single biggest improvement in public health for a generation. link
Tobacco kills people at the height of their productivity, depriving families of breadwinners and the nation of a healthy workforce. Tobacco users also become less and less productive due to related health problems. The cost to taxpayers in the UK for smoke-related illness runs to billions of pounds. In the UK, smoking accounts for around 114,000 deaths every year and passive smoking at work is estimated to cause the death of two employees every working day. It is the single biggest avoidable cause of premature death and places an enormous burden on the NHS.

Guardian 30.06.07