NEWS RELEASES
Smoke-free legislation starts soon
15th May 2007
FROM 1 July 2007 all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces will become tobacco smoke-free.
This includes offices, factories, shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, membership clubs, public transport and most work vehicles used by more than one person.
The new law means that it will be illegal for people to smoke in virtually all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces.
There are fixed penalty fines or prosecution for employers, employees and customers for anyone who smokes in a smoke-free place or vehicle or if there is a failure to display suitable ‘No Smoking’ signs.
The new regulations aim to make sure that all customers and employees are protected from the risks to health of exposure to tobacco smoke and guarantee their right to smoke-free air.
The regulations will also help those people who are trying to quit smoking to succeed in environments where social pressures to smoke are reduced.
Horsham District Council will be monitoring and enforcing the new law throughout the 205 square miles of the Horsham District.
Speaking of the changes, Nigel Haverson, Head of Public Health and Licensing at Horsham District Council, said:
“For some time we have been in touch with around 4,000 businesses and people managing public places in the Horsham District to make sure they are aware of the changes to the law and how to prepare for them."
“We are keen to help everyone prepare for the new smoke-free legislation on 1 July and we welcome all enquiries.”
Further information about smoke-free legislation is available online at www.smokefreeengland.gov.uk
More specific information about being smoke-free in the Horsham District is available from Horsham District Council online at http://www.horsham.gov.uk/ or by contacting the Council’s Public Health and Licensing department on 01403 215251, email: publichealth.licensing@horsham.gov.uk
The NHS offers a wide range of excellent and easily accessible support for smokers including local Stop Smoking Services.
For information on prescribed medication and free support to stop smoking contact the West Sussex Stop Smoking Helpline on 01903 708000 or visit http://www.westsussexpct.nhs.uk/healthy-living/go-smoke-free
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk