Reflections on the 10th Anniversary of the introduction of the Smoke Free Law in England (Part 3) Preparing for success
The Smoke Free Law in England came into force on 1st July 2007. Hilary Wareing; Ian Gray and Paul Hooper of iPiP’s Tobacco Control Collaborating Centre had various connections with the development and implementation of the law we have now.
These are our further reflections.
Ian at the CIEH was preparing the workforce who would need to deliver compliance. Several training packages were developed and at one point a minibus transported a team of people around the country delivering a training roadshow in preparation for the introduction of the Smoke Free Law.
One of the most significant events was the free vote in the House of Commons on February 14th 2006 leading to a 200 majority in favour of a new law. Some watched from the visitors’ gallery others from home watching the Parliamentary Channel whilst preparing a St Valentine’s meal (how romantic!)
There followed intense media activity and more training! Personal highlights included Paul Hooper appearing live on the Jeremey Vine Programme
Not all publicity was positive and some news coverage predicted difficulty in enforcing the law,
Read more in Part 4
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