NEWS RELEASES
Smoke-free legislation seminars a success
8th June 2007
LOCAL businesses have benefited from free seminars about new smoke-free legislation which starts on 1 July.
All businesses in the Horsham District were invited to the free seminars, held at the Capitol in Horsham. Information, support and advice were available about the new smoke-free law and its likely implications.
Turnout was good, with over 45 businesses attending to make the most of the free advice on offer.
Paul Hobbs, Principal Environmental Health Officer for Horsham District Council, said:
”The seminars were well attended and seemed to be of benefit to all the businesses that came."
”We answered lots of questions and were able to provide information and advice to help make the transition to smoke-free as easy as possible for Horsham District traders.”
Cabinet Member for Leisure and Health at Horsham District Council, Cllr Brian Donnelly, added:
“It is important local businesses are aware of the implications that the smoke-free legislation may cause."
“These new laws are a legal requirement and businesses must take responsibility for their actions."
”A smoke-free environment is intended to make public spaces more enjoyable and healthy for everybody."
“We must all work together to make sure that this legislation is being upheld; using positive encouragement, support and ultimately fines as an enforcement measure.”
The new law means that it will be illegal for people to smoke in virtually all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces. Horsham District Council will be enforcing the smoke-free legislation across the Horsham District.
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.
Free advice to businesses about smoke-free for those who weren’t able to attend the seminars is available from Paul Hobbs at Horsham District Council on 01403 215421 or 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 www.westsussexpct.nhs.uk/healthy-living/go-smoke-free
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk