BY MARK McKELVEY

With smoking enforcement officers getting prepared to become operational from April 30, all indoor public buildings have only a couple of weeks left to comply with the new legislations.

To help them do so Priscilla Noble, Smoke Free Environment Officer for the Omagh, Strabane and Dungannon district areas, has been holding seminars and visiting a variety of businesses providing the relevant information to ensure everyone is aware of what is required of them before the end of this month, to avoid being fined.

Priscilla explained what her role entails. "Since November we have been running seminars for businesses to come along to as well as visiting those premises that we have categorised as high risk such as pubs, clubs, restaurants, snooker halls, bingo halls etc.

"Basically I have been going round these places explaining and broadening their knowledge regarding the new legislation, outlining where people can smoke and sign requirements."

Priscilla conveyed that this operation has been extremely successful which will hopeful result in a smooth transition period, creating a smoke free environment with the minimum of fixed penalties.

"Most people are aware that the smoking ban is coming and are making preparations for the change, particularly pubs who are considering putting up shelters and smoking areas," said Priscilla.

"I am providing information that complies with the legislation for smoking areas to prevent the backlog of planning problems experienced in the South caused by people going ahead and building something that didn't comply with the legislation."

The legislation states that if you have a roof or a ceiling which can include an awning, umbrella, canopy or any other retractable structure, there has to be 50% of the area perimeter wall under that covering that has to be open to allow smoking.

Priscilla explained, "The reason that 50% has to be open is for staff who have to go into those areas and clean it up and it is felt 50% keeps a good circulation of fresh air and allows the smoke to escape so it is not being secondarily inhaled by staff in those areas.

"Most places have been very forward thinking, but we are fortunate that this is being introduced as we are getting better weather allowing a good trial period to see what people want and require."

The major issue however that Priscilla feels some shops and businesses may not be fully aware of is that this affects everywhere not only pubs, and all premises have to have signs up informing people that smoking is not permitted inside the building. Failure to have these signs on display in the main entrance will result in a £200 fixed penalty.

Priscilla said, "These no smoking signs should be posted out sometime this week by the Health Promotion Agency with information about not having ashtrays on the premises, litter issues as well as policies and procedures to deal with non-compliance.

"We are trying to get the message across if you do not already have this sign, to ring the environmental health department of your local council to get them to sent some out if they do not already have their pack."

There is an all day drop-in seminar being held today (Monday) at Strabane District Council today from 9am to 7pm.