Originally published October 14 2005
UK smoking ban approaches as cabinet meets to finalize legislation
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Health Ministers have made a final plea to Prime Minister Tony Blair to make the smoking ban in restaurants a total ban, without an exemption for bars that don't serve food.
Ministers and health campaigners have made a last ditch plea to the Prime Minister to have a blanket ban on smoking in pubs, as the Cabinet met to discuss its smoke-free legislation.
MPs and peers from all three major political parties have written to Tony Blair urging him to abandon plans to exempt pubs not serving food and private members clubs from the smoking ban.
It follows reports that the Government was considering a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places after results of its public consultation suggested a partial ban would be unworkable and would not protect all workers.
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The letter to Mr Blair has been signed by former health minister Sir George Young, health spokesman Steve Webb, chair of the All-Party Group on Smoking and Health David Taylor, Lord Clement-Jones, Lord Faulkner of Worcester and Baroness O'Cathain.
The MPs and peers said exemptions for some licensed premises seemed "both undesirable and unworkable".
They said research showed a comprehensive smoking ban had strong support from MPs across the political spectrum, and was also backed by the public.
"The Government cannot, and in our view, should not, ignore the majority voice of people and politicians," the letter continued.
Leading medical organisations and charities, who have campaigned under the Smokefree Action Coalition banner, have also written to Mr Blair urging for the legislation to be introduced on the same day.
The groups, including Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and the British Medical Association, said bringing a ban in on one day was likely to have the most impact on helping smokers to quit.
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