The government’s top public health adviser has said introducing smoking bans in public places including bars is ‘the only way’ to successfully tackle the health risks from second-hand smoke. The State of Public Health, the annual report of government Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson, recommends ‘very serious consideration should be given to introducing a ban on smoking in public places soon.’ It adds: ‘All employers should plan to introduce smoke-free workplaces.’ It would be four more years before a ban in England was introduced.

CMO annual report, On the State of Public Health, 2003. Risks 113.