England goes smokefree

England introduced the smoke-free law July 1, making smoking against the law in nearly all 'enclosed' and 'substantially enclosed' public places and workplaces. Active duty U.S. Air Force members are already used to restrictions on smoking in government facilities due to the prohibitions described in Air Force Instruction 40-102, published June 3, 2002. However, smokers should be aware of the new law in England, which will result in a fine for anyone caught smoking in any of these places. (U.S. Air Force photo by: Tech. Sgt. Tracy L. DeMarco)

England goes smokefree

Published July 3, 2007
By Tech. Sgt. Tracy DeMarco
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- It is now against the law to smoke inside places such as pubs, bars, nightclubs, cafes, restaurants and shopping centers due to the smokefree law introduced in England July 1.

The law makes it illegal to smoke in most public places and also work centers that are considered 'enclosed' or 'substantially enclosed.'

The initiative is aimed at protecting citizens and employees from the potentially harmful effects of secondhand smoke. According to www.smokefreeengland.co.uk, "Local councils are responsible for enforcing the new law in England. If you don't comply with the smoke free law, you will be committing a criminal offence."

The penalty for smoking in a facility or vehicle deemed smokefree is £50 unless prosecuted and convicted by a court - then the maximum fine can be up to £200 per crime. For more information, visit www.smokefreeengland.co.uk.