West Somerset prepares for new smoking laws (From Somerset County Gazette)

West Somerset prepares for new smoking laws

12:29pm Tuesday 5th June 2007

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ENGLAND is becoming Smokefree on July 1 and West Somerset Council is arranging drop-in sessions across the district to help ensure businesses are ready for the change.

Cllr Peter Humber, portfolio holder for housing, health and welfare, said: "The new law is being introduced to protect employees and the public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, and local businesses need to ensure they are doing everything necessary to comply with the legislation."

Drop-in sessions are taking place at: Ground Floor Room, Dulverton Town Hall, on Thursday June 14 between 11am - 2pm.

Munchies, Mart Road, Minehead, on Friday June 15 between 9.30am - 11am Mag2 Motorcycles, Roughmoor Industrial Estate, Williton, on Tuesday June 19 between 11am - 2pm.

From July 1, it will be against the law to smoke in virtually all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces such as: Public transport and work vehicles used by more than one person will also need to be smokefree.

No-smoking signs will have to be displayed in all smokefree premises and vehicles.

Staff smoking rooms and indoor smoking areas will no longer be allowed, so anyone who wants to smoke will have to go outside.

Managers of smokefree premises and vehicles will have legal responsibilities to prevent people from smoking.

Businesses that don't comply with the new smokefree law will be committing a criminal offence, and could face a maximum fine of £2,500.

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