Smoking Ban Special
The new law banning smoking in enclosed public places in Wales will come into force on 2 April 2007. The aim of the smoking law is to protect workers and the general public from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, making it one of the most important pieces of public health legislation for decades.
We have put together this special to tell you everything you need to know about the ban. It’s important to remember that it does not just apply to businesses.
In this feature you can also get some tips to give up your habit. It also explains the law on what you have to do if you run a business.
Councillor Glyn Caron, Executive Member for Planning and Public Protection, said: “Torfaen Council is offering as much help as possible to businesses which will be affected by the ban.
“Our Public Protection officers have spent a lot of time visiting premises to make sure everyone is aware of the new law. It is important to stress that the law does not just cover pubs and clubs. It bans smoking in any enclosed public space. Employees and employers both have obligations to ensure no one smokes in an enclosed workplace and can be fined if they ignore the law.”
The law creates three specific offences:
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Failing to display no smoking signs in premises covered by the law
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Smoking in a smoke-free place
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Failing to prevent smoking in a smoke-free place
Similar legislation has already taken effect in Scotland and is proposed to come into force in England on 1 July 2007. It has proved very successful in Scotland and in Ireland, with very few people or businesses choosing to break the law.
While a few pubs have found that the ban affected their business, many restaurants and pubs serving food found that their business improved as non-smokers decided to eat out more often.
The law will require enclosed public places, including workplaces, to be smoke-free. This means employers, staff, customers and visitors will not be allowed to smoke in the enclosed area of the business premises. Some businesses have already banned smoking, and Torfaen Council is just one of many local employers to have already taken this step.