Downing Street entrance to have No Smoking sign

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It's doubtful whether its presence would have made Winston Churchill stub out his cigar or Harold Wilson extinguish his pipe.

But from July 1, new anti-smoking laws south of the Border mean the entrance of 10 Downing Street will have to display a circular No Smoking sign.

All visitors to the Prime Minister's residence, including foreign heads of state, will be warned that smoking inside is banned.

What would Winston say?: Churchill was a noted smoker

Cabinet Office Minister Hilary Armstrong confirmed that No10 would not be exempt from rules which state that the international No Smoking symbol - a crossed-out cigarette inside a red circle --must be displayed at the entrance to all offices and public buildings, including churches.

By law it must be the size of a piece of A5 paper and include the words: "No smoking. It is against the law to smoke in these premises." Other entrances to Downing Street offices, used only by staff, will display smaller signs.

Asked about plans to implement the legislation at Downing Street, Mrs Armstrong said: "From July 1, the Cabinet Office intends to fully comply with the requirement of the Health Bill 2006 for displaying No Smoking notices."

The same rules will also apply to visitors and staff at Buckingham Palace. Signs will be put up at the Privy Purse Door, the Side Door and the entrance at the rear of the internal courtyard used by members of the public who are receiving honours.

A spokesman said: "We will be fully complying with the legislation at all the palaces. It will not apply to entrances which are used by members of the Royal Family only, where they are used like a private home."

Church leaders have already voiced their concerns over the necessity of such signs, particularly on historic cathedrals.

 

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