Maidenhead & Windsor

The Maidenhead Royal Borough will be adopting a policy of information and education in the local area when England goes Smokefree on July 1.

From that date, it will be illegal to light up in virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces, bringing England in line with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The main reason for the legislation is to protect non-smokers from the effects of second-hand smoke.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for the Maidenhead environment, said: “For the first few months following the introduction of Smokefree legislation we will take the opportunity to provide information and education to business owners and smokers alike.

“We hope this legislation is as successfully introduced as it was in Scotland in March 2006. It is a massive change in the law and we want to ensure that everyone understands the implications.”

The Smokefree policy will be boosted by a government grant of £65,000 which will be spent on two education and support officers to work with businesses over the next six months.

Maidenhead Cllr Rayner added: “While many business owners are preparing for the new law and some have already introduced a Smokefree policy ahead of the July 1 deadline, there are others who need further guidance or training on how the law affects them.

“With two extra officers dedicated to achieving this – as well as the co-operation of business owners and smokers in wholeheartedly supporting the council in enforcing this law – we look forward to a trouble-free transition and pleasant, smokefree public venues that everyone can enjoy.”

Gillian Taylor, Maidenhead environmental health manager, said: “The law requires Smokefree signs to be displayed at the entrance to virtually all public places and workplaces, and it is the responsibility of the business owner to ensure smokers don’t light up in smokefree areas.

“If any business owner is uncertain about what they should be doing to comply with the law, they can call the borough’s customer service centre on 01628 683820 and we will be happy to advise them.”

Gillian added: “This is not to say that businesses or smokers who deliberately flout the law will get away with it.

“We will be linking our efforts with the licencing team who, as they are out and about visiting clubs and pubs for example, can deal appropriately with specific situations as they occur.

“In the longer term we will work on the basis that businesses and smokers have had sufficient time to learn about the law and will move towards an enforcement policy.”

Businesses can be fined up to £2,500 for failing to stop people smoking in a Smokefree venue and up to £1,000 for failing to display no-smoking signs. Smokers who light up in a Smokefree area could be fined up to £200.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead