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News

Poole Goes Smoke Free

Smokefree laws are introduced on July 1 – heralding a ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces throughout England.

The new legislation will cover more than 5,000 premises in Poole and will have an impact on both smokers and non-smokers.

Borough of Poole has been working for several months to help businesses and individuals prepare for the new laws and ensure people know what to expect from July 1.

From July 1, officers from Borough of Poole’s Environmental & Consumer Protection Services (E&CPS) will be:

Working with businesses to ensure staff and customers are aware of the Smokefree laws.

Increasing the out-of-hours service to respond to any noise related issues for bars and clubs in Poole – this service will be increased to seven nights a week until at least 2am.

Ensuring businesses comply with the Smokefree laws, includes displaying appropriate signs and not allowing people to smoke in enclosed public spaces. Non-compliance could lead to prosecution for persistent and clear offences.

Cllr Don Collier, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “The national legislation will have a significant impact on Poole. Smokefree legislation is an important and influential milestone. The changes will allow residents to enjoy a night out in a restaurant or pub in a pleasant and clean atmosphere and I believe most people will welcome and embrace the change.”

E&CPS has been working with both businesses and residents to ensure the new rules are clear and that people know what to expect from July 1. Over the past six months E&CPS has :

• Visited businesses, including pubs and clubs, to provide guidance and support relating to the new regulations.
• Organised drop-in workshop advice sessions for all businesses, with officers on hand to answer questions or concerns and to provide leaflets and signs to be display from July 1.
• Advised taxi drivers about the ban on smoking in company vehicles.
• Staged a public awareness event on Poole Quay – offering information to the public on about the new laws. Officers handed out personal pouches to encourage people to dispose of their cigarette butts.
• Produced posters for buses and refuse trucks informing residents of changes.
• Installed stub plates on bins in Poole to encourage safe disposal of cigarette butts.

Jeff Morley, Team Manager, E&CPS, Borough of Poole, said: “Most business owners and residents we have talked with over the last few months have been positive about the Smokefree regulations. However, our work does not stop from July 1. We will continue to work with businesses and educate the public on how they need to respond to the new laws.”

E&CPS advise residents who see someone smoking in an enclosed public space from July 1 to speak to the manager of the establishment, who has the responsibility to enforce the legislation.

For further information about Smokefree in Poole, contact Borough of Poole on: 01202 261700.

Ian Turner, Media Relations Officer
Tel: 01202 633295