British govt considering workplace smoking ban in North

The British government has revealed that it is considering introducing a workplace smoking ban in the North identical to the one introduced in the Republic earlier this year.

Speaking at the launch of a 20-year health strategy today, Northern Ireland Office minister Angela Smith said the public would be consulted about a number of possible strategies to deal with the dangers of second-hand smoke.

One of the options is a ban on smoking in all workplaces, including pubs and restaurants, while another is a ban that would exempt pubs and bars that do not prepare and serve food.

The third option is a continuation of the existing policy of encouraging people to stop smoking through public awareness campaigns and supporting companies that provide self-regulated smoke-free areas.