Information on Loughborough

Stub It Out

Posted on 24/05/2007
Loughborough Newsdesk

Thats the message that Charnwood Borough Council is trying to get over to smokers and employers alike.

The Health Act 2006 Act requires public areas and the workplace to be smoke free comes into force across the country at 6am on 1st of July 2007.

Smoking in the workplace kills almost two people per week and the new legislation is seen as helping prevent those needless deaths.

CBC has been given the task to ensure that local businesses are aware of the legislation that is coming into force (it would be hard not to), helping with advice and will ultimately be responsible for enforcing the legislation, breach of which may lead for hefty fines. If a business fails to prevent people form lighting up in an enclosed space the fine is a massive £2,500. However its just not businesses that are effected. An individual can also be hit with a £50 fixed penalty notice. Businesses can also be fined up to £1,000 for not displaying a no smoking sign, or accept a fixed penalty notice of £200.

Matt Holford, Charnwood Borough Councils Environmental Health Manager, said: "We are responsible for enforcing the new laws but enforcement action will always be a last resort.".

Cllr. David Slater, Charnwood Borough Councils Cabinet member for Environmental Health, said: "We are already providing help and support for businesses to make sure they are ready for July 1 and the implications of becoming smokefree. Our aim is to be sensible and fair but firm in the way the law is applied but the ultimate purpose is to protect workers from exposure to second-hand smoke.

Advice and support on giving up smoking can be obtained by calling the Leicestershire County and Rutland Primary Care Trust on (01509) 567 766, the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0169 or logging on to www.gosmokefree.co.uk