When was smoking stopped inside pubs across England?

For others, being able to smoke inside when going for a few pints after work or an evening meal with the family will be a distant memory.

That’s because many years ago England followed the likes of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and introduced the smoking ban.

When were people banned from smoking inside pubs in England?

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On July 1, 2007, it became illegal to smoke inside pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and most workplaces and work vehicles in England, reports the British Heart Foundation.

The ban had already been put in place in Scotland back in March 2006 and in Wales and Northern Ireland in April 2007.

Hazel Cheeseman, director of policy at ASH (Action on Smoking and Health), told the British Heart Foundation: “Directly after the legislation, more people were trying to quit smoking, and more people succeeded because it’s much easier to avoid those situations.”

The charity explained: “Research in the British Medical Journal estimated there were 1,200 fewer hospital admissions for heart attacks in the year following the ban – improved air quality and fewer smokers will have contributed to this.”

Do you remember being able to smoke in a pub before the ban? (Image: Getty)

What happens if you smoke in the workplace in England?

There is a penalty for people who are caught smoking in the workplace.

In England, workers can be fined up to £200, according to the UK government website.

The government also says businesses must “display ‘no smoking’ signs in all workplaces and vehicles" and "no smoking signs in Wales must be in both Welsh and English.”

Businesses should also ensure "people don’t smoke in enclosed work premises or shared vehicles.

Is smoking going to be banned in the UK?

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“Staff smoking rooms aren’t allowed - smokers must go outside.”

The government adds: “Businesses can be fined up to £2,500 if they don’t stop people smoking in the workplace or up to £1,000 if they don’t display ‘no smoking’ signs.”

It's important to note the law doesn’t apply to e-cigarettes as employers can decide if they can be used on their premises.