With less than two months to go before smoke free legislation comes into force, Council Officers are reminding residents of what the new laws will mean to them. From the 1st July, the Health Act 2006 becomes law and will prohibit smoking in all workplaces

With less than two months to go before smoke free legislation comes into force, Council Officers are reminding residents of what the new laws will mean to them.

From the 1st July, the Health Act 2006 becomes law and will prohibit smoking in all workplaces and public places. Workplaces who do not comply with legislation face fixed penalty notices or fines to be enforced by East Cambridgeshire District Council.

This means shops, pubs and offices should be places free of smokers lighting up and any second hand cigarette smoke.

Liz Knox, Head of Environmental Services & Housing, said: "A recent survey by the Department of Health found two-thirds (65 per cent) of people in the East would rather spend the evening in a smoke free venue, than one where smoking is allowed, and 89 per cent now consider lighting-up in a non-smoking place unacceptable. This is a massive change from even ten years ago let alone 20.

"As the local authority responsible for enforcing the new laws from July, we are keen to ensure that people know what they can and can't do as a result of the legislation. Basically you can no longer smoke in any public spaces whether it be a restaurant, your place of work or a garage. If you do you could be subjected to a penalty notice or a fine.

"We have seen from when Scotland and more recently Northern Ireland went smoke free that it generally becomes self enforcing but my officers will be there just in case. This legislation is designed to make our public spaces healthier places to be and I am sure we will see the benefits for years to come."

For advice on the requirements of smoke free legislation telephone 01353 665555 and ask for the Environmental Health team.