Only for some enclosed spaces (those from which it is difficult to go out for a smoke break in the fresh air) an exception was made: these are nursing homes, hospices, offshore structures and submarines. But even there smoking was allowed not everywhere, but only in specially designated areas.
Smokers who violate the law may be subject to a fine of 50 pounds (about $87). And a manager who fails to ensure compliance with the law on his or her territory faces a fine of 200 pounds (almost $350).
Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell has already called the smoking ban in public places 'the most significant step toward improving the health of entire generations of people.' However, organizations advocating for smokers' rights claim that the authorities have misled society about the health damage caused by smoking, and also underestimated the economic cost of the ban. They already predict the closure of about 140 pubs in Scotland as a result of this radical measure and the loss of 2,500 jobs.
Wales and Northern Ireland are closely watching the situation in Scotland. For the authorities of these territories, the Scottish project is a pilot. They also seek to ban smoking everywhere; in Wales, legislators have already voted twice for such a ban and are now awaiting its entry into force. A similar law will come into force in the whole of the United Kingdom in the summer of 2007. In February of this year, British parliamentarians voted by an overwhelming majority for a ban on smoking in all premises where people work, including pubs, restaurants, cafes and private clubs. UK Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said on this occasion: 'I am very pleased. This is truly a historic event for public health.'
Moreover, initially the cabinet of ministers proposed to ban smoking only in those pubs where food is served. However, in the end, of the three options – a complete ban, a ban only in pubs, and a ban only in clubs and pubs where food is served – the strictest one passed. According to the bill's authors, as a result of the ban, about 600,000 people will quit smoking.
Meanwhile, disputes over the total ban on smoking in public places were heated and continue to this day. Many parliamentarians opposed the smoking ban as a violation of civil liberties. Members of the government were also divided. In favor of the ban were British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Finance Minister Gordon Brown and Home Secretary Charles Clarke. Against – Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, Defense Secretary John Reid and Education Secretary Ruth Kelly.
Simon Clark, director of the human rights organization Forest, argues that this is 'unnecessary and illiberal legislation, depriving millions of people of freedom of choice.' However, as his colleague Elspeth Lee from Cancer Research UK believes, 'this decision will affect the lives of future generations and make the country much healthier.'