PASSIVE smoking is even more harmful than previously thought, according to a series of studies released last week. Their publication coincided with the British government’s introduction of its watered-down and much-maligned Health Improvement Bill, which failed to commit to a complete ban on smoking in pubs, bars and restaurants in England.
The bill will see smoking banned in workplaces, including pubs and restaurants, in England by summer 2007, but not in private clubs and bars that don’t serve food. Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, by contrast, are planning to prohibit smoking in all public places.
“There is more and more evidence that there is a need…
