Smokefree England – Harlow gets ready for smoking
ban
Harlow goes smoke free on Sunday 1 July as part of a country
wide smoking ban. This means smoking will not be allowed in
virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in the town.
This includes offices, shops, factories, pubs, bars, restaurants,
members clubs, public transport including taxis and work vehicles
that are used by more than one person. The change is to ensure a
healthier environment, so everyone can socialise, relax, travel,
shop and work free from secondhand smoke.
Harlow Council will be responsible for enforcing the new law in
the town and has been working closely with businesses to help
ensure that everyone knows what they need to do to become
smokefree. In other smokefree countries the levels of compliance
are high, and the laws quickly become self-enforcing. However,
anyone who doesn't comply with the new smokefree law will be
committing a criminal offence.
Anyone who smokes in a smokefree place could face an on the spot
fine of £50 (or £200 if the matter goes to court) for smoking in a
smokefree place, whilst anyone in charge of smokefree premises or
vehicles could face fines for two separate offences: failing to
prevent smoking in a smokefree place and failing to display
no-smoking signs. Residents dropping cigarette ends outside can
also receive a £50 fixed penalty for littering. Cigarette ends
should be stubbed out and binned. Special ashtrays are being
installed around the town.
Eleanor Macy, Chair of the Council’s
Environment & Community Committee, said: “The Council recently
held a conference to help local organisations prepare for the
forthcoming ban. Over 60 businesses came along including cafes,
restaurants, pubs, garages, schools and shops. There was a lot of
interest and a lot of questions asked during the conference. We are
confident that most businesses in Harlow will voluntarily abide by
the new rules and we won’t need to police them but we will act on
complaints and we’re here to help any business that needs more
information about the changes.
“During the week of 2 July we will be handing
out leaflets in the town centre to raise awareness of the ban. We
will be installing ashtray bins in the town centre and other areas
to help limit the dropping of cigarette ends. This is an offence
and people can receive a £50 fixed penalty notice if they don’t
stub out and bin their cigarette ends.”
Help with giving up
There is support available for smokers who wish to give up as a
result of the ban. Smokers can contact the local NHS Stop Smoking
Service on 0800 1690169 or visit http://www.givingupsmoking.co.uk/
or talk to their GP or local pharmacy.
Further information and guidance is available
from Smokefree England website: http://www.smokefreeengland.co.uk/
or by
following this link to the Council's pages.
Ends