Information on Loughborough

Final Smoke Free Reminder for Loughborough

Posted on 28/06/2007
Loughborough Newsdesk

Loughborough and University team up to teach care leaversBUSINESSES in Loughborough and the rest of Charnwood are being given a final reminder to make sure they are well prepared for the new smokefree laws which come into force this weekend.

From 6am on Sunday morning (July 1st), virtually all enclosed public and work places, including offices, factories, shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, public transport and company vehicles will become smokefree in order to protect workers from the health effects of second-hand smoke.

Charnwood Borough Council officers say the majority of firms are ready for the new legislation " but there still remains some uncertainty about the finer details of the law despite a nationwide advertising campaign by the Government and various local initiatives.

The Authoritys Environmental Health team has toured Loughborough and the rest of the Borough with its smokefree roadshow to make sure the message reached as many businesses as possible and proactive visits to local firms have also been carried out.

Matt Holford, Charnwoods Environmental Health Manager, said: "We are finding that there is almost universal awareness of the new laws.

"However, some business operators are still a little unclear as to exactly how the new legislation affects their business premises and work vehicles.

"The most common problem is that businesses have the wrong signs up on display or have not put the signs in the entrance areas.

"Some businesses did not realise that the new legislation even applied to their premises and vehicles.

"There is still a misunderstanding that the smokefree requirement only applies to buildings where staff or customers are currently allowed to smoke.

"In simple terms, if you run a business then this affects you.

Businesses that are not up to speed with the new laws are being encouraged to act now. Employers, managers and those in charge of smokefree premises and vehicles will need to:

  • Display no smoking signs in smokefree premises and vehicles.
  • Take reasonable steps to ensure that staff, customers and visitors are aware that premises and vehicles are legally required to be smokefree
  • And ensure that no-one smokes in smokefree premises or vehicles

Charnwood Borough Councils Environmental Health team based in Loughborough is responsible for enforcing the law and the Government, through the Health Act 2006, has set the following penalties for smokefree offences:

  • Smoking in a smokefree premises or vehicle " a fixed penalty notice of £50 or a fine not exceeding £200.
  • Failure to display no smoking signs in smokefree premises and vehicles as required by the new legislation " a fixed penalty notice of £200 or a fine not exceeding £1,000
  • Failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree premises or vehicle " a fine of up to £2,500.

Signs and free no-smoking tax disc holders are also available from the Council offices in Southfield Road, Loughborough, or by calling (01509) 634 916.

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.

Details are also available by calling the Smokefree England information line on 0800 169 169 7 and copies of the no-smoking signs can be downloaded and printed or ordered from www.smokefreeengland.co.uk

They will also be in Loughborough Market Place on Saturday 30th June from midday to offer advice and support to anyone looking to quit the habit.