Maidenhead & Windsor

Stubbing out the 20-a-day habit needn't be a drag in Maidenhead– and with smokefree public places becoming law on July 1 and No Smoking Day taking place on Wednesday March 14 there has never been a better time to say no to nicotine.

That's the message from the Maidenhead Royal Borough's environmental health team, which is aiming to spread the word that in addition to the many personal benefits of quitting, from July 1 it will be illegal to light up in any enclosed public place or workplace in England.

The Maidenhead team is working together with the Berkshire East Primary Care Trust (PCT) on its No Smoking Day campaign; information and pamphlets can be found on a display stand in the foyer of the Town Hall this week and various events are being held throughout the borough.

Gillian Taylor, Maidenhead environmental health manager said: "We all know there are health benefits to quitting smoking as well as money to be saved. From July 1 virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England will become smokefree by law, ensuring a healthier environment so everyone can socialise, relax, travel, shop and work free from secondhand smoke."

The legislation covers all workplaces where more than one person works or which are visited by members of the public and includes any space that has a ceiling or roof, which means tents, marquees, conservatories and vehicles are included.

Gillian and her team are working with local businesses to explain what they need to do to comply with the smokefree legislation. They have attended Pubwatch meetings and have invited businesses to attend a meeting on March 27 to discuss how the new legislation will affect them.

Under the new legislation, management will have to:

· ensure premises are smokefree
· display 'no smoking' signs in a prominent position at all public entrances
· take reasonable steps to ensure customers and staff are aware the premises are legally required to be smokefree.

There will be no obligation to provide smoke breaks or outside smoking areas.

Management could be fined up to £1,000 if they fail to display 'no smoking' signs and up to £2,500 for failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place. Smokers could be fined up to £200 for smoking in a smokefree area.

Another key date is Friday March 23, the start of the 100-day countdown to the new legislation, when a national media campaign kicks off with various events around the country.

Owners of businesses can contact Gillian Taylor, Maidenhead environmental health manager, on 01628 683503 if they require further information on the new legislation.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead