Forget about Big Brother, the other BB is about to hit England with a bang and everybody is going to have to sit up and take notice of this one, for on the 1st July 2007 The Big Ban will mean that all public places and workplaces will be smoke free.

Pubs, bars, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants, lunch rooms, membership clubs and shopping centres will all have to enforce a no smoking policy, or face a fine for failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place.

Those who chose to ignore the warnings will themselves be fined £50 on the spot or up to £200 if the case is taken to court. Does it sound like Big Brother's watching you? Does it feel like your rights have been snatched away?

It's really not that bad.

Those who don't want to stub out and pack up completely will find that most pubs and clubs offer an outdoor area specially designed for smokers once the ban comes into force.

Many have invested in heaters for patio areas or covered open huts, so that even when the bad weather makes its return, smokers have somewhere warm and dry to retreat to and, due to the lack of smoke indoors causing nicotine stains on paintwork etc, many pubs and clubs have re-vamps planned for a more pleasant experience throughout.

Indeed the benefits are endless.

Nobody likes to tuck into a meal with someone smoking next to them - even most smokers would admit this. The new law will ensure that this won't happen.

Enjoy your food in the comfort of a smoke free atmosphere.

Cleaner air also means that the risks of breathing in second hand smoke are dramatically reduced, therefore as are the risks of serious medical conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease, asthma attacks, childhood respiratory disease, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and reduced lung function.

Many will find that the ban offers motivation as well as a better bill of community health - 70% of smokers want to give up but find that binning the ciggies is easier said than done, especially when walking into a pub or bar and finding themselves surrounded by smokers.

With the enforcement of a smoking ban, a large percentage of the temptation is instantly taken away, giving you a better chance at quitting for good.

A smokefree England will ensure a healthier environment, so everyone can socialise, relax, travel, shop and work free from secondhand smoke and about time too.