More than a third of pub-goers say smoky venue is a turn-off

A smoky atmosphere is the biggest reason for avoiding a pub or bar, according to a survey published by the Department of Health.

The survey of 1,700 adults shows that 36 per cent of people cite a smoke-filled atmosphere as the main turn-off for going to a bar or pub, with the type of people who frequent the venue coming in second at 20 per cent.

With 50 days to go until the ban comes in on July 1, the government is launching a national advertising campaign to raise awareness.

Public Health Minister, Caroline Flint, said: "With only 50 days to go until England goes smoke-free our aim is to ensure that everyone is aware of the new law, how it will affect them and what they need to do to prepare.

"Our snapshot survey shows that the majority of people know that smoke-free legislation is coming, but almost half the population are not aware it comes into effect on 1 July.

Recent research carried out amongst businesses, showed that 41 per cent of businesses in England do not realise that smoking rooms will need to be closed and more than half (53 per cent) are unaware that work vehicles will also be covered by the legislation.

The campaign includes a television advertisement, a dedicated website and a mail-out of guidance to 1.7m businesses in England.

The smoking ban comes in on July 1. Smoke-free compliance guidance and no-smoking signs are on-line at www.smokefreeengland.co.uk/resources

Findings of the survey include:

• 93 per cent of the overall population are aware that smoke-free legislation is coming, however 45 per cent don't know that it comes into force on 1 July 2007
• 71 per cent of regular pub-goers support the legislation, as well as 76 per cent of the overall population
• 68 per cent of the population say that the legislation will not affect how often they go to the pub, 15 per cent say they will go more often and only seven per cent will go less often (10 per cent were not pub-goers)
• 76 per cent of the population believe that going smoke-free will have a positive effect on health