Day of defiance
Under the 2006 Health Act, mirroring similar legislation in Scotland, Wales and Ireland, it will be illegal to smoke in virtually all enclosed public spaces in England.
About 3.7 million workplaces will be affected, including
nearly 200,000 pubs, bars and restaurants. Breaking the law will become a
criminal offence punishable by a £50 fixed penalty fine. Landlords,
restaurateurs and employers failing to prevent smoking on their premises could
be fined up to £2,500, but will normally avoid a criminal record.
According to The Sunday Telegraph Landlords at up to 200
pubs are planning a "day of defiance" when the legislation comes into
force next month, allowing customers to light up on July 1. The number involved
is expected to grow and some publicans have vowed to continue to break the law
beyond July 1 if customers want them to.