05 November 2004
Health Secretary John Reid is expected to stop short of a full ban on smoking in public places in the health white paper expected later this month.
Reid is seeking Cabinet support for a 'third way', leaving the matter in the hands of local authorities. The proposal being canvassed would allow restaurants and pubs to apply for licences to permit smoking, providing children were protected.
London Mayor Ken Livingstone this week joined other local authorities in asking for devolved powers to outlaw smoking in public areas after a poll showed heavy majorities in the capital for a ban.
'There is a strong groundswell for change in relation to smoking in workplaces,' Livingstone said.
'Any bans would require the government to pass additional powers to me and I am asking them to do so.'
The Welsh Assembly and a number of local authorities are already considering introducing a Private Member's Bill in Parliament to allow them to restrict smoking in public.
PFnov2004
