Smoking ban for NI government departments
Smoking is to be banned in all government departments in Northern Ireland.
They are to become smoke free from January 1 next year, it was announced today.
Health Minister Angela Smith said the decision was an employer-driven initiative.
Smoking will no longer be allowed at the Northern Ireland Office as well, but the ban does not apply to prisons.
The minister said: “The dangers of passive smoking are now well known and any decision which may contribute to a healthier workplace is to be encouraged.”
