The Health Bill, which includes provisions to ban smoking in enclosed places in England, has received Royal Assent.

It becomes an Act just days before Parliament breaks for its summer recess on 25 July, and in the same week that the long awaited regulations governing it were finally published by the Department of Health.

Nick Bish, chief executive of Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, said: “We always hoped it would receive Royal Assent soon. We obviously welcome the fact that the dye is cast but there are still some uncertainties in the regulations – particularly about timing, that need to be sorted out.”

The Government plans to outlaw smoking in enclosed public places in England by the summer of 2007. It is currently seeking feedback on the newly published regulations.

Views are particularly being sought on issues regarding exemptions and signage requirements. The consultation process ends 9 October.

Under current proposals 50% of a smoking shelter’s area must be open to the outdoors, signage must be prominent and at least A5 in size, and licences face a max. £2,500 fine if they allow customers to smoke on their premises.

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By Alix Young

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