Stubbing out smoking on 1 July » Communities » 24dash.com

The smell of stale smoke on clothes the morning after a night at the pub should be a thing of the past from 1 July.

The new smoke-free laws, designed to protect the public and all workers from the harmful effects of breathing second-hand smoke, come into effect at 6am banning smoking in any enclosed workplace or work vehicle. 

Virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England will become smoke free. This includes public transport, work vehicles, offices, shops, factories, restaurants, pubs and all types of social and private members clubs. Local businesses in Salisbury and south Wiltshire have been preparing to go smoke free with warning signs and a range of facilities for customers including cigarette bins and shelters.

Salisbury District Council’s Smoke Free Advisor, Jane Reid has been working with local businesses to help them to get ready for 1 July. Jane has been advising businesses on what action to take should anyone try to smoke on their premises after 1 July. She has also been helping them to minimise potential problems such as increased smoking litter and noise from pub customers gathering outside to smoke.

Jane Reid said; “For those that are already smoke-free – all shops, many restaurants and most workplaces - it is a case of simply carrying on with their smoke-free policy but advising staff that it will now be illegal.

“Most places are providing ashtrays and ashbins. Some are looking to provide smoking areas outside and I have been guiding them as to what they need to do to comply with the law.

“One thing that all businesses must do is to display a A5 sign at any public entrance warning that smoking on the premises is against the law.”

The Anchor and Hope pub in Winchester Street, Salisbury has been actively preparing for the new circumstances. Landlord Bill Buchan said; “The area immediately around the bar has been smoke-free for some time. For customers who still wish to smoke after 1 July, we have built a large sheltered area in the courtyard garden at the back of the pub with plenty of tables, ash bins and good quality lighting.

“About a dozen customers have even used the new legislation as the incentive to club together to help each other try to give up smoking altogether.2

Salisbury District Council’s portfolio holder for Environment and Transport, Cllr James Robertson, said: “This is a major change and one which will produce enormous health benefits through significantly reducing the effects of inhaling second-hand smoke.

“I have been impressed with the efforts that many local businesses, particularly pubs and restaurants, have been making to comply with the new legislation. If anyone is still unsure about any aspect of the law, I would urge them to contact the council’s environmental health team for advice.”

Following the successful implementation of the ban in Scotland and Ireland it is largely expected that the ban will be self-enforcing. Environmental Health staff have been working closely with businesses to help prepare for the new legislation.

Premises found to be permitting smoking or not displaying appropriate no smoking signs could be liable to a fine of up to £2,500. Fixed penalty notices of up to £200 can also be issued to anyone found smoking in a smoke-free place.

Contact Environmental Health on 01722 434319/320 or via the website at www.salisbury.gov.uk/smoke-free

Ends

Press release issued: July 1 2007