HC Deb 15 May 1985 vol 79 c148W
Mr. John David Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has any plans to take steps to prohibit smoking in shops and halls which are specifically for the sale of fresh or frozen food; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chris Patten

Staff are already prohibited from smoking in such premises by the Food Hygiene (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1964. There are no plans to introduce legislation to prohibit the public from smoking in food establishments, as there is no evidence that open food is at risk of contamination from customers' smoking.