"Pathetic" campaign fails to tackle pub smoke risks

Less than half the country's pubs and bars are complying with a voluntary code on smoking, according to an independent report, commissioned by the Department of Health.

The hospitality industry introduced the code, the Public places charter, in 1999 in a bid to head off calls for a passive smoking law.

Anti-smoking charity ASH described the progress as "pathetic". ASH has called on the government to disassociate itself from the charter and bring forward legislation to make smoke-free environments a legal requirement.