Almost 90% of businesses believe the legislation banning smoking in public places in England has run smoothly, a study claims.
The Department of Health said its research also shows that 75% of the general public support the law, which came into effect on 1 July.
A total of 70 fixed-penalty notices have been issued to individuals for smoking inside a public space since that date, it added.
More than 275,000 firms were inspected between 1 July and the end of September, and 98% were found to be following the new law, while 84% were displaying the correct signage.
Health minister Dawn Primarolo said: “This encouraging report confirms that smokefree law is not only popular, but that the vast majority of the general public believe it is good for public health.
“People of all ages are reaping the benefits of healthier, less smoky work and social environments, which in turn are seen as an incentive for many to get out and socialise more.
“I’m especially proud to hear that nine out of 10 businesses say that implementation went well and that the majority of people, smokers included, are supportive of the new legislation.
“The evidence is clear, second-hand smoke is a killer and removing it from enclosed public and work environments marks the single biggest improvement in public health for a generation.”
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