Amber Valley businesses are set to receive advice from the borough council about the forthcoming smoke-free law banning smoking in workplaces, public buildings and vehicles.
The law, which comes into force on 1 July, has been introduced to increase the number of smoke-free environments - the only sure way to protect people against the health risks of second-hand smoke, which is a cause of lung cancer and childhood respiratory disease.
Councillor Les Dorey, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Safety and Housing, welcomed the new law, stressing that general health benefits would include reduced illness and mortality, gains in life expectancy to smokers giving up as a result of the new law and gains in life expectancy from reduced smoking uptake.
Councillor Dorey added: “The law requires the Council to ensure all buildings are smoke free, have the right signage and afford the necessary protection of employees and visitors. The Council’s approach to enforcement, however, will be non-confrontational, focusing on raising awareness and understanding to ensure compliance. Officers will work closely with local businesses to build compliance through education, advice and support. Enforcement action will be considered only when efforts to encourage compliance have failed.
“Any enforcement action that is taken will be fair, proportional and consistent. Inspections will be based on risk and, where possible, combined with other regulatory inspections to reduce burdens on business.”
The Council’s Environmental Services Directorate is set to employ a Smoke-free Co-ordination Officer and a Smoke-Free Support Officer with funding provided by central government. Both officers will have year-long contracts and will be responsible for co-ordinating and supporting the smoke-free work carried out by the Council’s existing enforcement officers.
For more information about smoke-free legislation contact Annette Fleet on 01773 841436.
