Stamping out smoking - Port set to become a smoke free zone

Published on 10th May 2007 in News

The Chief Port Health Inspector, Mr Laurence Dettman, has presented a report to the Hull and Goole Port Health Authority stating that from July 1 this year his team of Port Health Inspectors will be enforcing the new smoke-free regulations.The regulations will be put into place in the many land-based premises, including the extensive Port Health district of Hull, North Lincolnshire and the East Riding.

Mr Dettman said: "There has already been much advance publicity in relation to the local councils who will be enforcing the new law elsewhere. However, it is important to note that the smoke-free provisions will also extend to the Port Health Authority which is one of the largest in the UK and that our officers will have enforcement responsibility."

This will include the Hull passenger terminals, all offices, factories and other public places and workplaces which are enclosed or substantially enclosed. The Authority's area includes all of the port facilities in the Humber, Trent and Ouse. The new laws will also apply to vehicles as a place of work by more than one person.

Anyone in charge of smoke-free premises or vehicles will have a legal responsibility to make sure that the required no-smoking signs are in place and to prevent people from smoking within them. Managers will need to be prepared to take action if someone smokes in a smoke-free place for which they have responsibility.

There will be fixed penalty notices of £50 and maximum fines of £200 for people who smoke in a smoke-free place. Failure to display the required signs could incur a fixed penalty of £200 and fines of up to £1000. Failure to prevent smoking in a smoke-free place could also incur fines of up to £2500.

Mr Dettman added: "The Authority's approach to enforcement will be based on supporting businesses to comply with the new laws."

For extra information a national helpline is available on 0800 169 1697 or the website, www.smokefreeengland.co.uk. Direct advice is available from Mr Dettman and his team of officers on 01482 324776 or by visiting the website www.hullandgoolepha.gov.uk