The Government have confirmed that the long awaited smoking ban will come into force on 30 April 2007. The issue of smoking in public places has been a topical subject in recent years, and it will now be outlawed in pubs, restaurants, private clubs and workplaces across Northern Ireland as a result of the Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order SI 2006/2957, and draft Regulations made under it.
Making the announcement, Northern Ireland Health Minister Paul Goggins said, "I have been encouraged by the overwhelming level of support this legislation has received across Northern Ireland. It is about improving and protecting the health of everyone and especially those who do not smoke. I do hope it will give smokers that extra incentive they need to give up."
