THERE will be no excuse for failing to adhere to the smoking ban, says East Cambridgeshire District Council as it looks to enforce the new law. Virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England are now smoke-free after new legislation cam

THERE will be "no excuse" for failing to adhere to the smoking ban, says East Cambridgeshire District Council as it looks to enforce the new law.

Virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England are now smoke-free after new legislation came into force last Sunday.

The law will protect people in workplaces, public vehicles and work vehicles, from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

Pubs, restaurants, cafes and any part of a person's home that is used as a place of work by a person who does not live there are also now smoke-free.

Smoking is also banned from sports stadiums and bus shelters that are substantially enclosed.

Under the Health Act 2006 it is now an offence for anyone to smoke in a smoke-free area, for designated premises to not display a smoke-free sign and for someone responsible for a smoke-free area to allow someone to smoke there.

Liz Knox, head of Environmental Services and Housing for East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "There has been a tremendous amount of advertising and publicity regarding the new legislation so there will be no excuse for pleading ignorance. My team has been about since Sunday to enforce the legislation but the feedback we have had leads us to believe the new laws will be self-enforcing with everyone taking time to enjoy their new environment."

A5 no-smoking signs must be displayed in a prominent position at every entrance to smoke-free premises.

Anyone caught smoking in a smoke-free premises may be forced to pay a fixed penalty fine of £50, which will be discounted to £30 if paid within 15 days. If this goes to court the fine can go up to £200.

INFO: Call 01353 665555, ask for the environmental health team or go to www.smokefreeengland.co.uk