An under-18s found buying cigarettes or anyone smoking in public places in UK will be legally punished. The move towards this has taken a step closer after ministers tabled new clauses to the health bill giving MPs a free vote. Under a new clause added to the bill by the health secretary, Patricia Hewitt, the ban could be implemented by the end of the year.
Alongside a separate clause by junior health minister Caroline Flint, Ms Hewitt’s new clause was tabled. Flint’s clause would give the government powers to make exemptions from the ban on smoking in public places. Her clause includes a general power to make exemptions from a blanket ban on smoking in public places, for places such as prisons, care homes and private members’ clubs.
Via: The Guardian