Smokefree information and advice available to businesses
Release: 5 April 2007
Wolverhampton business owners and managers who would like to find out more about how the introduction of new national smokefree legislation this summer affects them are invited to get in contact with the city council.
From 1 July it will be illegal to smoke in most indoor places other than private homes. This includes venues such as restaurants; bars; shopping centres; schools and hospitals. The law also covers workplaces including offices; factories; shops; lorries; vans and other vehicles used for work, including taxis and private hire vehicles.
The council is working with businesses to build understanding of the requirements of the legislation and support them to be ready for the changes.
As part of this work the authority has sent over 7,000 smokefree information packs to businesses in the city. The packs contain useful information including commonly asked questions and answers, guidelines for managers and business owners, staff, customers and visitors, as well as a model smoking policy and a suggested timetable for the implementation, sample letters, a media release template and information on the National Clean Air Awards. The information packs can also be sent out on request.
They have been funded by Government as pat of the overall package to successfully implement the new arrangements from July 1.
The packs also contain guidance on how the council will have responsibility for enforcing the new legislation and will have the power to issue a £50 fine to anyone caught smoking in premises covered by the legislation.
If venue owners allow people to smoke on their premises they can be issued with a £2,500 fine and fines are payable if venues do not display adequate no-smoking signs.
The council is also encouraging businesses to go smokefree in advance of July 1. Many premises in the city have already done so and have benefited from additional support from the council. These businesses have received a package of promotional materials including smokefree t-shirts, banners, beer mats, signage and information cards to display in their premises.
To request an information pack, promotional materials or for further general information about the new legislation, contact City Direct on 01902 551155 or visit Smokefree Wolverhampton.
Issued by the press office.