SMOKERS forced outside by the impending smoking ban in enclosed public spaces face fines of £75 if they dispose of cigarette butts on the streets
Pubs, clubs and other business are also being urged by councils throughout Gwent to provide smoking bins outside their premises when the ban on lighting up comes into force on April 2.
Pub owners say they now plan to introduce bins to avoid unsightly mounds of cigarette butts building up outside their buildings and protect customers from on-the-spot-fines.
Iftekhar Harris, owner of Newport's Meze Lounge plans to install four stainless steel cigarette bins outside the club on Market Street, Newport.
Mr Harris said: "We have had leaflets from the (Assembly) government saying we must provide them and we definitely need to.
"The only thing I'm worried about is people vandalising or trying to steal them."
Escapade Nightclub, the largest club in Newport, will provide customers with a smoking terrace as well as introducing smoking bins outside the club's entrance.
"As a good operator we are certainly going to do that for our customers," manager Steve Dew said.
Environmental heath officers will be enforcing the ban inside pubs and clubs - and officers are now warning they will impose fines on customers who ignore littering laws outside.
A spokesman for Newport Council said they would be advising owners to ensure there are no problems with cigarette disposal.
A Monmouthshire Council spokeswoman added: "We will continue with our practice of approaching businesses who have a problem with cigarette disposal and asking them to provide bins and also approaching individuals if we witness them littering. "We will also issue fixed penalty notices for those who ignore our warnings."
A Blaenau Gwent council spokeswoman said officers "will not hesitate" to issue £75 fines.
A Caerphilly council spokesman said officers were working with local businesses as well as providing extra smoking bins on the streets.
Torfaen Council say they do not expect any significant problems and will tackle the issue if and when it arises.
First published on the South Wales Argus website|