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.

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.