The government is tonight launching its multimillion-pound TV campaign to highlight the smoking ban that comes into force in England from July 1.
Research commissioned by the Department of Health shows that 45% of people are unaware of the date the anti-smoking legislation comes into force, while many are unclear about the scope of the restrictions.
The Smokefree England campaign launching today aims to raise awareness about the July 1 smoking ban.
From July 1 smoking will be banned in enclosed public spaces and workplaces such as pubs, shopping centres, taxis and offices.
The blanket marketing campaign, developed by ad agency Farm, will feature across TV, buses, the London Underground, poster sites, billboards, national press and radio ads, and airport media advertising.
It is understood to be one of the largest ad campaigns conducted by the DoH in recent times, with a budget of nearly £1m a week between now and July 1.
By comparison Coca-Cola spent £8m in six weeks last year to launch Coke Zero, which the soft drink giant said was its biggest marketing push for a new product since Diet Coke arrived in the UK over 20 years ago.
"Our snapshot survey shows that the majority of people know that smokefree legislation is coming, but almost half the population are not aware it comes into effect on July 1," said the public health minister, Caroline Flint.
"The campaign is a reminder to people of the date and gives examples of the range of locations which will be smoke-free.
"It forms part of a comprehensive communications campaign to make sure that businesses and individuals understand what action they need to take."
Recent research cited by the DoH shows that there is still a massive job to do in raising awareness among businesses about the smoking ban.
The research showed that 41% of businesses in England do not realise that smoking rooms will need to be closed and more than half - 53% - are unaware that work vehicles will also be covered by the legislation.
A website targeting the business community and a direct mail campaign to 1.7m premises in England is also planned.
"We are confident that with the support being provided by the department of health and by local councils everyone should be ready in time," Ms Flint said.
Prior to the development of the Smokefree England ad campaign the DoH dramatically overhauled its ad agency roster, dropping AMV BBDO, the agency that handles accounts for Sainsbury's and Guinness, after a 22-year relationship.
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