PREMISES across the Omagh District are being visited all this week by the staff of the Environmental Health Department to ensure compliance with the newly implemented smoking legislation.
Barney Heywood, Chief Environmental Health officer says, "The main aim of this new legislation is to protect public health. There is tremendous public support for smoke free workplaces and public places hence we anticipate that there will be a high level of compliance throughout the district."
Omagh Environmental Health Department has been working closely with businesses, delivering a co-ordinated information service on smoke-free legislation.
The Department would however like to remind the public and business owners of the following key elements of the legislation; It is against the law to smoke in most indoor places other than your own private home. This includes; places of work e.g. offices, factories, bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels, schools and hospitals.
Places used by members of the public e.g. shopping centres, church/community halls and health centres
Most vehicles used for work purposes and vehicles used to carry members of the public, also have to be smoke-free. This includes:
Work vehicles used by more than one person (even if they do so at different times) e.g. cars, lorries and vans.
Vehicles used to transport members of the public e.g. buses, taxis, trains and minibuses.
The penalty for not complying with the legislation is a fixed penalty of £50 for individuals who smoke in any of the premises specified above or prosecution for persistent offenders with the maximum penalty of £1,000.
Proprietors of businesses who allow smoking to take place in premises to which the legislation applies may be prosecuted with a maximum fine of £2,500.
Members of the public and local businesses can contact Omagh District Council Environmental Health Department on 028 82256202 or e-mail eh@omagh.gov.uk to receive more information.
Alternatively, more guidance is available for businesses on www.spacetobreathe.org.uk.
