Attitudes Of Londoners To The Public Smoking Ban

The vast majority of Londoners (83%) support the Government's ban on smoking in public places according to an Ipsos survey for The Evening Standard. The research shows that most people (72%) strongly support such a ban -- with only a small proportion of the public as a whole opposed to the ban (12%). Even among smokers, a clear majority are in favour of the ban (64%).

The poll also shows that smokers are divided on whether the ban will lead to fewer people going to pubs or bars (45%) or whether it will not make any difference (45%). Among non-smokers, there is a consensus that the ban will not make any difference (70%).

Topline Results

• Results are based on telephone interviews with 1,003 residents in the Greater London area.
• Interviews were conducted between the 6-11 December 2006.
• Data are weighted to reflect the London population profile.
• Where results do not sum to 100%, this may be due to multiple responses, computer rounding or the exclusion of don't knows / not stated.

Q1 Which of the following best applies to you?

Q2 The government has announced that smoking in enclosed public places will be banned in England from July next year. The ban covers virtually all enclosed public places including offices, factories, pubs and bars, but not outdoors or private homes. To what extent do you support or oppose the ban? Base: All respondents (999); All smokers (230); All non smokers (773)

Q3 Do you think the ban on smoking in pubs and bars will lead to more or fewer people going to pubs and bars, or will it not make much of a difference? Base: All respondents (999); All smokers (230); All non smokers (773)