As England’s landmark smokefree legislation turns 18, a new report highlights the enormous public health gains achieved. But data from health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) warns that millions remain exposed to harmful secondhand smoke, particularly in social settings.
The legislation, which banned smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces, is widely seen as the great public health success of the last 20 years. Public health leaders in our sub-region were pioneers in calling for the ban, for example through the Smokefree Liverpool initiatives, and the Cheshire and Merseyside Public Health Directors continue to call for tighter restrictions on smoking and vaping. This has been demonstrated by their strong support for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill currently going through parliament, which will mean that nobody born after 2009 can ever buy cigarettes legally.
A new summary of the evidence on the impacts of the 2007 ban finds significant health benefits, limited evidence of economic harms and widespread compliance and public support. Notably, an estimated 14,000 babies’ lives were saved nationally in the four years after the law’s introduction, due to mothers having lower exposure to second hand smoke during pregnancy. Despite these successes new figures from ASH reveal persistent public exposure to tobacco smoke:
- 68% of people in Cheshire and Merseyside report recent exposure to secondhand smoke, most commonly while socialising (40%).
In 2023, the Government proposed extending smokefree legislation to include outdoor hospitality areas. However, following industry pushback – particularly from the hospitality sector – the plans were shelved.
ASH’s latest polling raises serious questions about these concerns. The data show:
- 68% of the public dislike being exposed to tobacco smoke in outdoor seating areas.
- 39% say they would be more likely to visit smokefree hospitality venues, compared to just 20% who say they’d be less likely.
An academic review of the past 18 years of smokefree laws found no compelling evidence that the legislation has harmed the pub trade. With smoking rates now 40% lower than in 2007, the case for further protections is even stronger.
Dr Sarah McNulty, Director of Public Health for Knowsley and Lead Director for Smokefree Cheshire and Merseyside said:
“Its difficult to imagine a world in which restaurants, cinemas and even aeroplanes were filled with cigarette smoke, but this was the norm just a couple of decades ago. The smoking ban has done so much to protect smokers and non-smokers alike, but it is disappointing that so many people, especially young adults are still being regularly exposed to secondhand smoke.
“Secondhand smoke is unpleasant, smelly and harmful, and it is completely unacceptable that children and non-smokers should have to put up with it in public places. Its time to consult on tougher laws on smoking in outside public spaces.”
To find out more about how to quit, whether pregnant or not, visit www.smokingendshere.com for further information and to find your local stop smoking service.