The council has expanded it’s smokefree team to provide support to more local businesses.
Alan Eagles and Mick Lucas have been visiting business premises to advise on the implications of the smoking ban. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Alan and Mick quoted a motor engineer who said “this is well overdue” and a building trade supplier who said “even though I’m a smoker, I’m pleased the government has brought this in”.
The government has sent an information and resource pack to all businesses, so in general the Council’s support work comes in helping interpret the finer points of the law. The placement of no-smoking signs, and especially, work vehicles – if they’re used by more than one person they must be smoke-free – are areas where their help is proving welcome.
In Scotland compliance reached 97% within four weeks. Alan who has previously carried out health and safety inspections and Mick, a former police officer, describe their work as very different from their previous jobs. “Giving smoke-free advice is mainly educational. Virtually everyone has been pleased to chat about what they need to do”.