Officer to tackle smoking ban (From The Argus)

Officer to tackle smoking ban

10:33am Sunday 27th May 2007 in News By Rachel Fitch

A council officer has been employed to make sure businesses stub out when new laws come into force.

Antony Gardener has joined Arun District Council as a smoke-free compliance officer.

It will be his job to give advise employers preparing for the new smoking restrictions on July 1.

From then, smoking will be banned in all enclosed public places or vehicles.

Mr Gardener said: "I will be working with employers to make sure they take responsibility for ensuring workplaces are kept smoke-free by displaying appropriate signs, drawing up smoking policies and training their staff.

"I'm here to help."

The 27-year-old's job has been paid for by the Department of Health.

Gillian Brown, leader of the council, said: "The introduction of the smoke-free legislation is the biggest change in public health law for many years.

"Smoking kills and this legislation will be a major step forward in protecting people from the dangerous effects of second-hand smoke.

"In Arun, we've already implemented a smoke-free policy for all council buildings. Now we're one of the first local authorities in the South to appoint a smoke-free compliance officer."

Three roadshows have been organised to help businesses understand the new laws. They are at Bognor Town Hall on June 6 at 9.30am, Littlehampton Civic Centre on June 7 at 1pm and at Arundel Town Hall on June 14 at 9.30am.