1.9m stub out cigarettes after pub smoking ban

There are 1.9 million fewer smokers in Britain a decade after a law was introduced banning smoking in pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants, new figures from Cancer Research UK reveal. 

The sharp decline in the number of Britons lighting up has seen numbers drop to the lowest level since records began. 

Smoking is a known risk factor for the development of several eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. 

Cancer Research UK reports that since the pub and restaurant smoking ban was introduced, the proportion of adult smokers dropped from 20.9% in 2007 to 16.1% last year. 

The proportion of young adults aged between 16 and 24 who smoke has fallen from 26% to 17% over the decade. 

A poll of 4300 people by the not-for-profit found that 67% of respondents strongly opposed a reversal of the ban on smoking in pubs and restaurants. 

Cancer Research UK chief executive, Sir Harpal Kumar, told OT  he was thrilled with the success of the legislation. 

“Cancer Research UK worked incredibly hard for many years to ensure that the law would be effective and that no one would be exposed to toxic second-hand smoke,” he elaborated. 

“The impact on public health is huge. It’s rewarding to know that this effort will go on to have a great impact on the health of future generations,” Mr Kumar concluded.