The ban covers just about all indoor public places, including pubs, restaurants, factories and offices. Private homes aren't covered, nor is outdoors.

A similar ban will come into force in Wales and Northern Ireland in April, while Scotland has banned smoking in public places since March this year.

Rob Hayward, from the British Beer and Pub Association, told the BBC that the announcement gave "greater clarity" and would allow bars to prepare for the ban.

Other small business owners should be thinking about how they'll deal with the regulations, too, as employers will be liable for staff members who break the law by smoking indoors at work.