It's the end of an era

The divide between smokers and non-smokers has been brought into sharp focus by recent debate on a smoking ban. Liz Booth looks at what this means for the industry

The arguments were heated, a rift in the Cabinet became daily fodder for the media and then finally a total ban on smoking was agreed. But where does a total ban leave the insurance industry?

The health risks associated with smoking are now well recognised and accepted - could such a move result in an increased numbers of claims? And could disease associated with tobacco become the next asbestos?

The fear is that one successful claim could result in a barrage with costly consequences for insurers