Lawmakers Back Ban on Smoking in Public
Britain’s lower house of Parliament voted by a huge margin to ban smoking in every pub, club and indoor public space.
The bill, passed 384 to 184, followed months of heated debate that divided the Labor government and incensed health groups.
Anti-smoking campaigners welcomed the decision, saying a ban would save thousands of lives, while critics condemned the government for interfering and denying people choice.
The measure now moves to the upper House of Lords, where it is also expected to pass. If so, it will become law by mid-2007.
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