The government is set to launch a major publicity campaign to raise awareness among consumers of the forthcoming smoking ban.
A 100-day countdown to the legislation will begin on March 23, which the Department of Health will publicise nationally.
During an exclusive interview with The Publican, health minister Caroline Flint said March 23 would be "very important".
"We will be looking nationally at how we communicate that,² she added. ³We didn¹t want to peak too early, but clearly the 100-day countdown will focus our minds on the lead-up."
Ms Flint, who revealed that she is an ex-smoker, also said there would be a review of the legislation "within three years".
On the issue of consistency from local authorities in enforcing the ban, she said she was ³confident² this would be the case.
She added: "I really have confidence that those working on the front-line, such as environmental health officers, want to make this work in a positive and constructive way."
But she added there would be times when "common sense" would be needed from enforcers.
Asked to explain the gap between fines that individuals and licensees would receive, the Don Valley MP said: ³If someone is allowing smoking on their premises they are allowing other people to breathe in smoke, so they are dealing with more than one individual.
"But I would say you have nothing to worry about if you are not breaking the law."
To receive updates on details of the smoking ban, register your details at: www.smokefreeengland.co.uk/stayinformed
For the full interview with Caroline Flint, read our Fresh Air, Fresh Thinking supplement, free with the February 26 issue of The Publican.