Ban 'thrills' health secretary

New health secretary Alan Johnson is "thrilled" the smoking ban has taken place on his watch.

The smoke-free legislation which forbids lighting up in enclosed public places took effect in England at 6am on Sunday.

Several venues across the country held parties on Saturday night to commemorate the ban as smokers enjoyed their last opportunity to have a pint and cigarette in a pub or club.

But Mr Johnson, who took up his new position on Thursday, said: "I am thrilled that my first major announcement as Health Secretary enacts the single most important public health legislation for a generation.

"The scientific and medical evidence is clear - secondhand smoke kills. There is no safe level of exposure. This legislation means that thousands of lives will be saved and the health of everybody will be protected."

Mr Johnson said almost 80 per cent of the public support the smoke-free legislation and claims the ban will prompt 600,000 to kick the habit.

He added that the ban is not the end of government attempts to cut down on smoking and the associated health risks.

Mr Johnson said: "Hot on the heels of the smoke-free legislation, on October 1st 2007, we will be raising the legal minimum age for buying tobacco from 16 to 18 years old.

"Smoking is dangerous at any age, but the younger people start, the more likely they are to become life-long smokers and to die early. The law change demonstrates our determination to protect people from the harmful effects of tobacco."

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