Clock ticks away on smoking ban

12.38.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 5th Apr 2007

The countdown to a smoke-free borough is underway with just over 80 days to go until lighting up in all enclosed public and work places is outlawed.

And Richmond Council will be doing all it can to raise awareness of the law among premises in the borough that will be affected. It aims to ensure that all businesses are aware of their responsibilities. On Sunday July 1 smoking will be banned in all offices, factories, shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, membership clubs, public areas of hotels, bed and breakfasts, residential care homes, taxis and public transport and all other enclosed public places across the country. It also means that indoor smoking rooms, still common in workplaces, will no longer be allowed. People who flout the new law could be liable to a fine or prosecution. The aim is to protect everyone from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke in enclosed public places and workplaces and create a cleaner and healthier environment to visit or work in - as well as encouraging smokers to quit the habit.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Martin Elengorn, said:

"We have been working for some time in partnership with various organisations, including the local Primary Care Trust and the Department of Health, to get ready for when the new law comes into force. Our aim is to raise awareness of just what being smoke-free means and already information about the ban has been included in our trading standards newsletter, Borough Standard, which has been sent to approximately 2,500 businesses. Our environmental health officers are working hard to ensure the smooth implementation of the new law, and will be advising businesses at every opportunity and giving full backing to the Department of Health publicity campaign. It is all about educating people about their responsibilities and we urge any business wanting further advice or information to get in touch with us."