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Smoke Free Blaenau Gwent

From 6.00am on 2^nd April 2007 smoking will be banned in all enclosed or substantially enclosed public places and workplaces in Wales.  The ban is intended to protect workers and the public from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

The law creates three specific offences. 

1.  Failing to display no-smoking signs in premises covered by the law;

2.  Smoking in a smoke-free place; 

3.  Failing to prevent smoking in a smoke-free place.

Officers from the Public Protection Division will be carrying out inspections of premises in the County Borough covered by the ban to ensure compliance with the new law.  We will always attempt to resolve any issues that arise through education and persuasion.  However, where there are persistent or blatant breaches of the law we will not hesitate to take legal action.

What are the penalties for those who break the law?

(a)  Individuals may be issued with a £50 fixed penalty for smoking in no-smoking premises.  They may also face prosecution.

(b)  The manager or person in control of any no-smoking premises could be issued with a fixed penalty of £200 for failing to display warning notices in no-smoking premises.  They may also face prosecution.

(c)  The manager or person in control of any no smoking premsies could be prosecuted and face a fine of up to £2,500 for allowing others to smoke in no-smoking premises.

Some Facts

• Smokers can still smoke if they want to  - it is just they will be restricted to private  residences, private vehicles and open public spaces.
• In Wales all enclosed or substantially enclosed public places are covered by the ban.  There are very few exceptions.  The common myths, such as if you serve food you are exempt and private members clubs are exempt ARE NOT TRUE!
• Increasing ventilation in premises does not work.  You cannot comply with the law by increasing ventilation.  High quality ventilation will move air around and remove the smell but it does not remove the carcinogens (cancer causing compouds)  that will continue to circulate.
• The ban on smoking does not breach the human rights of the smoker.  It is legitimate to limit such things in the interests of the greater good – in this case the health of the general public.

How do I know what I must do to comply with the new law?

The Welsh Assembly Government will provide all businesses in the County Borough with an information pack.  The pack will contain a booklet explaining the requirements of the new law, a sample no smoking policy and some sample signs that must be displayed in smoke free premises.  If you have not received an information pack please visit the Smoking Ban Wales website in the related pages box opposite where you can order your copy.  You can also order additional signage for your business from this page free of charge.

This Authority has also produced several additional guidance documents for certain business sectors.  These are available to download from the Related Document box below.