Ban Smoking In Every Workplace - Brake

12.01.00am GMT Thu 10th Nov 2005

Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake welcomes the announcement that Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust will become a totally smoke free environment from the beginning of the new year.

From 31st of December 2005, all London NHS Trusts will introduce a smoking ban on premises and grounds. Staff, patients and visitors will no longer be exposed to the dangers of second hand smoke.

The Government's Public Health Bill proposes to ban smoking in every workplace bar a few exceptions. Exceptions include licensed premises that do not serve food and private members' clubs. According to the TUC, about 30 percent of all pubs are excluded that way, leaving their staff in a cloud of noxious and poisonous fumes.

Mr Brake said: "Every employer should take the same action. Only a full ban on smoking in public places guarantees health protection for every employee."