Written question asked by Gerry Steinberg (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 November 2003. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 November 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to make it compulsory for restaurants and cafes to have non-smoking areas.

Answer: Mr. Steinberg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to make it compulsory for restaurants and cafes to have non-smoking areas. [135656] Miss Melanie Johnson: We have no plans to make it compulsory for restaurants and cafes to have non- smoking areas. We will continue to work with partners to encourage smoke-free policies across the country, whilst at the same time increasing support for smokers who want to quit. I am encouraged by the responsible attitude of many restaurant owners to speed up this process and am optimistic that many venues will become smoke-free. However I recognise that we still have some way to go and I encourage all businesses to respond to the levels of actual public and customer demand for more smoke- free places.

Secondary information