| 05 June 2007
Hard-hitting media advertisements that show the human tragedy and impact on families as a result of fatalities from smoking and the effects to others subjected to secondary smoke have all proved powerless to stamp out this antisocial addiction. Even a significant and steady increase of tax duty applied to cigarettes by successive governments seems to have little effect. The ill-health effects for smokers are well documented; the costs to an overstretched health service from treating smoking-related illness have been discussed for many years. Will the new restrictions on smoking in public places have the desired impact?
The Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006 becomes law on 1 July 2007, heralding a smoke-free environment for all indoor public places. After this date anyone found smoking in "smoke-free" premises will be committing a criminal offence. Smoking in smoke-free premises or work vehicles will incur a fixed penalty notice of £50 (reduced to £30 if paid in 15 days) or a maximum fine of £200 if prosecuted and convicted by a court.
Business owners that fail to display no-smoking signs, will receive a fixed penalty notice of £200 (£150 if paid in 15 days) the fine will be imposed on whoever manages or occupies the smoke-free premises or vehicle or a maximum fine of £1,000 if convicted by a court. In addition to this a further fine for failing to prevent smoking in a smoke-free place will incur a maximum fine of £2,500 imposed on whoever manages or controls the smoke-free premises. There is no fixed penalty notice for this.
The public sector has lead the way in the move towards the smoking ban. Most local authorities and government departments have "no-smoking policies", withdrawal of smoking rooms and smoking breaks and many have operated a smoke-free work environment for many years. The ban is likely to have a big impact on bars, clubs, restaurants and other similar premises. Whereas for many the private sector has by and large ignored the slow drift towards the current ban.
If you would like further advice, training or a smoke free audit please contact Shieldyourself on 0870 011 8250.
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