Today (July 1) marks the first anniversary of the introduction of new smoke free legislation and latest figures from Herefordshire Council show most premises have complied with the law.
Over the 12-month period,
· 78 complaints were received about pubs allowing smoking and 18 about people smoking in work vehicles such as taxis.
· This has led to one prosecution being taken and one fixed penalty notice issued against a taxi driver.
· Four people have been interviewed under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act and numerous warning letters have been sent.
· Eight evening undercover visits and three evening visits with a police constable have been carried out to enforce the legislation.
Before the legislation was introduced Herefordshire Council ran a six-month campaign to highlight the changes in the law and provided promotional materials and advice to businesses and the public through the council’s website, business events and road shows.
Since the legislation has been in place, the council has continued to offer advice and support and has received 27 requests for information about providing smoking shelters.
For more information about smoke free legislation contact the council on 01432 261667.