Smokefree Laws at 18: a great success but public exposure persists
Today [Tuesday 1st July] England’s landmark smokefree legislation turns 18, a new report highlights the enormous public health gains achieved.[1] But data from health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) warns that millions remain exposed to harmful secondhand smoke, particularly in social settings.
The legislation, which banned smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces, is widely seen as the great public health success of the last 20 years. A new summary of the evidence finds significant health benefits, limited evidence of economic harms and widespread compliance and public support. Notably, an estimated 14,000 babies’ lives were saved in the four years after the law’s introduction, due to mothers having lower exposure to second hand smoke during pregnancy. Despite these successes new figures from ASH reveal persistent public exposure to tobacco smoke:
- 72% of people report recent exposure to secondhand smoke, most commonly while socialising (41%).[2]
- Young adults aged 18–24 are especially affected: 86% report exposure in the past three months, with 57% citing social occasions as the main setting.[3]
In 2023, the Government proposed extending smokefree legislation to include outdoor hospitality areas. However, following industry pushback – particularly from the hospitality sector – the plans were shelved.
ASH’s latest polling raises serious questions about these concerns. The data show:
- 66% of the public dislike being exposed to tobacco smoke in outdoor seating areas.[4]
- 40% of those who visit pubs, cafés and restaurants say they would be more likely to visit smokefree hospitality venues, compared to just 19% who say they’d be less likely.[5]
An academic review of the past 18 years of smokefree laws found no compelling evidence that the legislation has harmed the pub trade. With smoking rates now 40% lower than in 2007, the case for further protections is even stronger.[6]
Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of ASH, said:
“There are children becoming adults this year who have never known smoke-filled public spaces and who might not be alive today if it weren't for the life-saving impact of smokefree legislation.
“Extending smokefree laws would be popular, effective, and good for business. The public is ready for change. A world with fewer smokers and less exposure to tobacco smoke benefits us all.”
Notes to the Editor
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is a health charity working to eliminate the harm caused by tobacco use. For more information, visit ash.org.uk. ASH receives funding for its program of work from Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation.
For interviews or more information, contact press@ash.org.uk
References
[1] https://ash.org.uk/resources/view/briefing-on-a-smokefree-england-at-18
[2] In which, if any, of the following places have you come into contact with other people's cigarette smoke in the past three months?
| Location of others smoke | All |
| In my home | 8% |
| In other people's home | 15% |
| At work | 14% |
| At college/ university | 6% |
| When I go out to socialise | 41% |
| When I'm waiting for public transport | 36% |
| In parks | 30% |
| None of these | 24% |
| Don't know | 3% |
This is data from the ASH Smokefree Adult Survey 2025, n=13,314. Online GB survey conducted from 10th February to 10th March 2025 by YouGov on behalf of ASH. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults in Great Britain (aged 18+).
[3] In which, if any, of the following places have you come into contact with other people's cigarette smoke in the past three months?
| Age | ||||||
| Location of others smoke | 18 to 24 | 25 to 39 | 40 to 49 | 50 to 65 | Over 65 | All |
| In my home | 9% | 10% | 8% | 6% | 5% | 8% |
| In other people's home | 17% | 20% | 16% | 12% | 9% | 15% |
| At work | 16% | 22% | 19% | 11% | 2% | 14% |
| At college/ university | 31% | 6% | 2% | 1% | 0% | 6% |
| When I go out to socialise | 57% | 53% | 42% | 34% | 26% | 41% |
| When I'm waiting for public transport | 46% | 39% | 34% | 32% | 33% | 36% |
| In parks | 38% | 34% | 31% | 27% | 23% | 30% |
| None of these | 10% | 15% | 22% | 30% | 38% | 24% |
| Don't know | 4% | 3% | 4% | 3% | 3% | 3% |
This is data from the ASH Smokefree Adult Survey 2025, n=13,314. Online GB survey conducted from 10th February to 10th March 2025 by YouGov on behalf of ASH. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults in Great Britain (aged 18+).
[4] To what extent do you like or dislike when there is tobacco smoke in the outdoor seating areas of pubs, cafés and restaurants?
| Tobacco smoke in the outdoor seating areas | All |
| Dislike it a lot | 46% |
| Tend to dislike it | 20% |
| Neither like nor dislike it | 24% |
| Tend to like it | 5% |
| Like it a lot | 2% |
| I never go to pubs, cafés or restaurants | 4% |
| Net: Dislike | 66% |
| Net: Like | 7% |
This is data from the ASH Smokefree Adult Survey 2025, n=13,314. Online GB survey conducted from 10th February to 10th March 2025 by YouGov on behalf of ASH. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults in Great Britain (aged 18+).
[5] Thinking about pubs, cafes, and restaurants that currently have an outdoor seating area in which smoking is allowed... Would you be more, less or equally likely to visit them if smoking was banned in the outdoor seating areas? [excluding those who never go to pubs, cafes and restaurants]
| Likelihood to visit dining places where outdoor smoking banned | All |
| Much more likely to visit | 22% |
| Somewhat more likely to visit | 18% |
| Just as likely to visit | 36% |
| Somewhat less likely to visit | 7% |
| Much less likely to visit | 12% |
| Don’t know | 5% |
| Net: More likely | 40% |
| Net: Less likely | 19% |
This is data from the ASH Smokefree Adult Survey 2025, n=13,314. Online GB survey conducted from 10th February to 10th March 2025 by YouGov on behalf of ASH. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults in Great Britain (aged 18+).