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Smokers are getting the message

No smoking information available in pubs and clubs

06/20/2007

smoking ban pub launch The countdown to new smoking legislation has started and Vale Royal Borough Council is asking pub and club owners to provide smokers with adequate facilities to stub out cigarettes.

In a bid to stop a surge in cigarette-related litter, the Council's Supporting My Local Environment (SMYLE) officers have been visiting landlords to advise them on smoking shelters and the provision cigarette bins by their entrances. They are also being given free beer mats and posters to help remind smokers that it is a criminal offence to drop litter in the streets.

Paula Jamieson, Manager at Moss Farm Leisure Complex, has had a visit from officers. She said: "The advice from the SMYLE officers has been fantastic. We are going to put extra cigarette bins outside the bar, and provide a suitable outdoor smoking area. It is good to know that you are doing the right thing, and I would advise any landlord who is unsure to ask the Council for advice."

Smokers who choose to ignore the law and drop their butts in the street will be issued with football-style yellow and red cards to warn them about their behaviour. The cards carry the message that under the 'Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2006' it is an offence to litter and, as of January next year, they will face fixed penalty fines or even a court appearance.

Lead Councillor for Environmental Policy, Lynn Riley, said: "A recent survey found that 97% of respondents want to see fines introduced for people who litter this beautiful borough. The yellow card scheme is the first stage in delivering the fines. We want to raise awareness and give people a chance to mend their ways before they receive a financial penalty."

The yellow cards are being handed out by Council officers along with key partners including Police Community Support Officers and Weaver Vale Housing Officers.

They will be used until September, and then replaced by the red cards. Full fixed penalty notices will be introduced on 1 January 2008.

If you would like a Supporting My Local Environment SMYLEofficer to visit your premises with advice on how to make it compliant with the law, phone on 0800 435199.

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