Action on Smoking and Health

No smoking symbol

ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) is a pressure group which seeks to publicise the health risks associated with tobacco smoking and campaigns for greater restrictions thereon.

In February 2006, it won its campaign for a total ban of smoking in enclosed public places in England from summer 2007. This includes all pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants, as well as workplaces and private members clubs. Similar bans are coming into force in Scotland (March 2006), Northern Ireland (April 2007) and Wales (Autumn 2007).

The UK Government is also considering raising the minimum age of being allowed to buy cigarettes from 16 to 18.

ASH was established in 1971 by the Royal College of Physicians following the failure of the UK Government to act on the College's request for effective laws to reduce tobacco use. Former health minister, John Dunwoody, became its first director.

External links

*Official ASH Site
*ASH USA Site
*Scottish ASH Site
*BBC timeline on smoking and associated diseases
*FOREST site : pro-smoking campaign Site
*Article on smoking ban on BBC News website