SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT
Dungannon enjoys a Smoke Free Environment!
Since the introduction of the smoking legislation on 30th April 2007, where NI became smoke-free Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council’s Environmental Health Team have visited various businesses, which no longer allow smoking in enclosed public places, workplaces or in work vehicles and public transport.
Over the first three months since the smoking legislation was implemented there have been more than 700 compliance visits made within the district area. The majority of businesses have welcomed the new smoking ban and there has been a substantially high level of compliance, with 99% being compliant for signage and 100% compliant for smoking.
It has been envisaged by the Environmental Health Department that a large amount of focus is still required and both Environmental Health Officers and newly appointed Smoke Free Environment Officers shall be continuing to monitor all workplaces and enclosed smoke free premises on a regular basis to include evening and weekends as the Autumn and Winter seasons are fast approaching.
Businesses within the District are now being encouraged to contact the Environmental Health Department on 028 87720366 if they have proposed plans for a smoking shelter on their premises, where they must comply with the 50% enclosed rule. At present the Department is working with businesses to provide advice and guidance to ensure their smoking shelters comply with the legislation.
A smoke-free compliance line has also been in operation since 30 April 2007, allowing people to report breaches of smoke-free legislation to the council. Complaints through the compliance line will continue to be investigated by the council’s environmental health department, providing additional support for maintaining high levels of compliance. The smoke-free compliance line, 0845 603 2500, operates from 12 Midday to 12 Midnight, with calls charged at local rate.
Any business who still requires help and guidance can contact Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council’s Environmental Health Department on (028) 87720366, visit www.environmental.health@dungannon.gov.uk to receive information or to arrange a visit to their premises. Alternatively, more guidance is available for businesses on www.spacetobreathe.org.uk.
