Changes to the proposed UK smoking regulations could see the introduction of a near-total ban in all public places.

Health secretary Patricia Hewitt is expected to announce the new proposals on Wednesday (26 October) which could introduce legislation requiring pubs and restaurants to create sealed smoking rooms if they wish to allow smoking on site.

Intially, the proposals for a smoking ban – included in the Queen’s Speech last May – were seen as falling short of an outright ban in all enclosed public spaces.

One of the most contentious points was the idea of limiting the ban to pubs which serve food.

However, it now looks certain that the government has abandonded plans to introduce a partial ban, believeing it to be unworkable following consultation with industry leaders – including the British Hospitality Association (BHA) and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).

A longer transition period to a total smoking ban – rather than being enforced by 2008, as the current proposals dictate – will also be considered. Details: