Smoke free enclosed public places in Ceredigion

Now that the ban is in place, the Council wants to ensure that everyone is fully aware and are compliant with the new legislation.

On the 2nd of April the new law on smoking in enclosed public places came into force across Wales. The aim of the ban is to protect the non-smoker from having to inhale secondary tobacco smoke.

The Council has been working with businesses in Ceredigion for the past few months to ensure that they're aware of the implications for their business, including signage and the potential for littering outside premises from an increase in cigarette stubs.

The law has introduced three specific new offences:

• Failing to display no-smoking signs in premises covered by the law
• Smoking in a smoke-free place
• Failing to prevent smoking in a smoke-free place.

Any businesses who still aren't compliant with the law and are concerned, should contact Ceredigion County Council immediately on 01545 572105, and an officer can help them ensure that they are compliant.

Those who break the law will face a fine...

• For smoking in a smoke free building or vehicle you could receive a £50 fixed penalty notice or be fined up to £200
• As a person in charge of a smoke free premises, if you fail to prevent smoking in either the premises or a work vehicle you could be fined up to £2,500.

Persons in charge of enclosed public places or work related vehicles which fail to display the required no smoking signs could face a fixed penalty notice of £200 or a fine of up to £1,000.

Refusal to pay or failure to pay may result in a prosecution and fine.

The Council is also asking that the public be aware of any illegal smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces, and report any offences to Ceredigion County Council on 01545 572105.

Councillor Hag Harris, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Housing said; 'Now that the law has come into force, Council officers will have to act upon any evidence which suggests that the law is not being adhered to. Therefore, for the last time, we're urging businesses and workplaces in Ceredigion to make sure they're fully compliant. Anyone who is unsure whether or not their business is compliant should contact the Council immediately.'

More information can be found online by visiting www.smokingbanwales.co.uk or www.ceredigion.gov.uk; or you can phone the County Council on 01545 572105.

It is appreciated that many smokers want to quit but find it extremely difficult. However there has never been a better time to give up. If you require advice on quitting smoking, help is at hand from Smokers Helpline Wales 0800 1690169 or from the All Wales Smoking Cessation Service 0800 0852219, both of which are freephone helpline numbers.


Published on the 2 April 2007