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FPB warns business to prepare for smoking ban

Published On 1 May 2007 at 16:02:14

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has warned its members to be prepared for the impending smoking ban or face severe financial penalties.

As well as stringently enforcing the new laws, it is the business owners' responsibility to ensure that no-smoking signs are put up across the premises and that all indoor smoking rooms are removed.

"The legal responsibility will be placed upon the business owner to make sure that his/her workplace becomes and remains smoke free," said membership adviser Philip Moody.

Under the terms of the new smoking rules, failure to display clear no-smoking signs could result in fines up to £1,000, and if a business does not effectively enforce the ban it could be fined anything up to £2,500.

Mr Moody also said that employees must also be made fully aware of the new regulations.

"Staff need to know that they, as well as the company, are at risk of a fine. Employees could face a fixed penalty notice of £50 or be fined up to £200 in court," he warned.

Meanwhile, a think-tank has predicted an initial fall in the sales of alcohol and tobacco in England's pubs, clubs and restaurants after the ban is implemented.

The Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) has warned businesses to expect a three per cent reduction in such sales during the third quarter of 2007.

 

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