Smoke-free Wandsworth
Overview
Since July 1 2007, all enclosed public places in England became smoke-free. Some places such as cinemas and public transport were already smoke-free areas, but other premises for example pubs, cafes, nightclubs, offices, factories, workplaces and communal lifts and lobbies in residential accommodation have joined the list of premises that must be smoke-free.
The total ban on smoking extends to all enclosed public areas. Smoking is still permitted in private homes and exemptions exist for places such as care institutions and hotel rooms.
Why did we go smoke-free?
Second hand smoke damages the health of both smokers and non smokers who breathe it in. It can cause acute symptoms in people with health conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Ventilation only removes the actual visible smoke and its smell but not the toxins.
Smoking in public places is also prohibited in a large number of countries including New Zealand, Ireland, Norway, seven out of eight Australian states, fifteen US states, Scotland and Wales.
