'Shop a smoker' hotline as Government announces ban

Dec 1 2006

A SHOP-a-smoker hotline will launch next summer when a ban on lighting-up in public is launched.

The Government yesterday announced that a total ban on smoking in enclosed public places in the city will come into effect on July 1.

It means this festive season will be the last one where Christmas and New Year pubs are full of smoke.

Once the ban comes in, anyone caught flouting the law could face a £50 on-the-spot penalty notice or a £200 court fine. A hotline will be set up for drinkers or diners to report any pubs or restaurants where the prohibition is being ignored.

Environmental officers from councils will then swoop on the landlord or owner of the premises.

Bosses convicted for failing to prevent customers lighting up could receive a court fine of up £2,500.

Landlords who fail to display non-smoking signs will face either a £1,000 court fine or a £200 on-the-spot penalty notice.

The cost of the "compliance telephone help line" has been included in the £1.66 billion to £1.67 billion estimated annual cost of implementing the ban.

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: ""This is a triumph for public health and a huge step forward for health protection. Thousands of people's lives will be saved and the health of thousands more protected. Smokefree legislation will protect everyone from the harm of secondhand smoke when working, socialising and relaxing and will provide a more supportive environment for smokers who wish to give up."

The smoking ban will include all pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants and public buildings.