TRT Extra (Summer 2007) - News
Smoke-free laws come into force across England on Sunday 1 July 2007.
Smoking will not be allowed in any enclosed buildings which are open to the public. These include:
- pubs
- restaurants
- enclosed places of work
- public transport vehicles including shared business vans and cars.
People's right to smoke in their homes or outdoors will not be affected by the new laws but health experts are warning of the dangers of passive smoking indoors - especially for children.
Smoking will still be legal in personal areas in certain other places, which are considered to be homes: These include:
- care homes
- hotels
- prisons
The new regulations will be strictly enforced across England by local Councils.
Look out for signs indicating no smoking areas. Report concerns to Three Rivers District Council. Fines for individuals and businesses will range from £50 to £2,500 if the law is broken.
Contact us enquiries@threerivers.gov.uk on 01923 776611 minicom 01923 727303
Support for smokers
Many smokers are using the ban as a good incentive to quit. Sue Hazleton, smoking cessation leader at the Primary Care Trust, says:
"This is a good opportunity for smokers to use our specialist free service, which has a much higher success rate than people trying to quit by themselves. The support given by our trained advisers is very friendly and informal."
Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service - if you are a Hertfordshire resident or have a GP in Hertfordshire you can attend a range of free NHS Stop Smoking clinics. Speak to your GP or ring freephone 0800 389 3 998. Email hertfordshire.stopsmokingservice@nhs.net
More information: www.wherts-pct.nhs.uk
Businesses
The new law applies to:
- ALL premises enclosed by more than 50%
- Where more than one person works.
- Your staff can smoke outside buildings but please be considerate to neighbours.
- If cigarette butts are dropped on the ground they will be treated as litter and could result in a £75 fine.
Some businesses may want to build smoking shelters and they are likely to need planning permission. Guidance is available on the Planning Applications page.
The law will be enforced by the District Council's Environmental Health team.