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England's anniversary of smokefree law

The smoking ban is being hailed as the "single most important health measure for a generation" after record numbers gave up the habit last year.

Ministers will use the anniversary of the smoking ban in England next week to publicise its success.

The report, to be officially published on the July 1 anniversary, also shows that 98 per cent of premises inspected complied with the smokefree legislation.

The report also shows that 76 per cent of people support the ban for workplaces and other public places while just three per cent of businesses reported a negative impact on trade.

Air quality in pubs and restaurants has also dramatically improved since July 1 last year. Pollution levels fell by 91 per cent inside pubs and restaurants after the ban and is "now comparable to outside air".

Bar workers had a 76 per cent reduction in nicotine levels.

In the foreword of the report, Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson says: "The significance of the smokefree laws cannot be underestimated.

"A significant reduction in secondhand smoke with its damaging health effects has been achieved. We expect many lives will have been saved. Everyone has the right to enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, healthier environment."

Amanda Sandford, of the campaigning charity Action on Smoking and Health, said: "This is great news."

Sir Liam said: "The smoking epidemic is far from solved. Tobacco kills 87,000 people annually in England alone. It remains the single greatest cause of preventable illness."

Source: The Mirror, 28th June 2008
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