No prosecutions in district for smoking
NOBODY in Uttlesford has yet been prosecuted for failing to comply with the anti-smoking laws introduced in July this year. The district council has revealed that while 11 reports of breaches of the law have been reported, none of these has led to a prose
NOBODY in Uttlesford has yet been prosecuted for failing to comply with the anti-smoking laws introduced in July this year.
The district council has revealed that while 11 reports of breaches of the law have been reported, none of these has led to a prosecution.
However, with the advent of winter and the increasingly harsh outdoor conditions, smoke-free enforcement officers anticipate that smokers may be more reluctant to honour the ban.
Lisa Lipscombe, Uttlesford District Council's health promotion officer, said: "Now the weather has turned colder and damper we feel there may be some problems with smokers not wanting to venture too far out into the cold to have a cigarette.
"Since the ban on July 1, we have received and dealt with 11 reports of non-compliance and as yet we have had no reason to prosecute, preferring to discuss and advise people and, where necessary, issue a warning. Prosecution is the last course of action."
As the nights draw in, council officers will be checking smoking shelters in the district to ensure they are in line with regulations.
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If you have recently erected a shelter and are unsure of whether or not it compliant, or have any queries relating to the ban, you are advised to contact Lisa Lipscombe on 01799 510624.
