On the 1st July 2007 the Government’s Smoke Free legislation requiring all enclosed work and public places and work vehicles to be smoke free will shortly become law.
This legislation will affect us all whether you are employed, operate a business or are just a member of the public.
Smoke Free is about protecting others from the effects of second hand smoke. The Borough Council is charged with ensuring that there is compliance with this law.
The business operator - The smoke free legislation applies to all businesses, not just restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs, and you must consider what measures to put into place for you and your employees to meet the legal obligations.
A smoke free policy for your workplace will assist in meeting this legal obligation. It can also provide guidance and help if any employee feels that they wish to stop smoking.
Details of how to implement a policy and an example of a policy can be viewed at: - http://www.smokefreenorthwest.co.uk/
Display “No-smoking” signage. It will be a requirement to ensure that no-smoking signage is displayed at public/visitor entrances to premises. Contact the Smoke Free Information Line 0800 169 1697
Smoking rooms within the workplace are not permitted.- If you permit smoking outside the confines of your building you should make arrangements so that cigarette ends are disposed of into a container and not thrown on the ground. You will also need to consider the impact on neighbours, the need for planning permission or changes to Licensing arrangements if you set up an external smoking area.
Taxis and public transport - Smoking will be prohibited at all times in taxis, private hire vehicles and all forms of public transport.
Littering issue.- Don’t forget that if you throw a cigarette end on the floor this is an act of littering. The Council aims to reduce the incidence of littering through advice and enforcement.
Enforcement - The Council’s emphasis will be to support and encourage businesses to comply with this legislation. Enforcement will only be taken when the seriousness warrants such action.- As more people are encouraged to smoke in the open air outside their workplace there is a potential for cigarette ends to be discarded onto the ground. This would be a littering offence. Littering is an offence under separate legislation and the Council may serve Fixed Penalty Notices when littering is observed.
Help and advice
For General advice contact - Smoke Free Information Line 0800 169 1697For enforcement issues contact – Ian Bousfield Tel No 01625 504308 or e mail: commercialservices@macclesfield.gov.ukFor advice on Stop Smoking Services contact – 0800 169 0 169 or Eastern Cheshire number 0800 652 0070
|
