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The UK-wide smoking ban has proven popular with both businesses and customers, defying the scepticism before its implementation, according to anti-smoking charity, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).
While a small minority of businesses may have suffered because their company directors failed to adapt to the legislation, the ban is "still justified because of the huge benefits that will come to the population as a whole", ASH maintained.
On July 1st 2007, it became illegal to smoke in virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England, following similar bans in the rest of the UK.
All businesses are now required to display an A5 No Smoking sign at the entrance to all non-smoking premises.
According to the most recent Department of Health figures regarding the smoking ban, of the 41,931 businesses inspected, 98.6 per cent were compliant with no-smoking regulations.
However, between July and October this year, enforcement authorities issued 390 written warnings, 95 fixed penalty notices and there were four court hearings against individuals for lighting up in a smoke-free area.
Amanda Sandford, spokesperson for ASH, said: "This is such an important piece of public health legislation and will have huge health benefits.
"If there is any negative economic impact then its still justified because of the huge benefits that will come to the population as a whole."
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