ONE in 10 businesses in Uttlesford are still not complying with the smoking ban, six weeks after it was introduced. Officers at Uttlesford District Council (UDC) are reminding premises owners exactly what they are required to do to avoid penalisation. Lis

ONE in 10 businesses in Uttlesford are still not complying with the smoking ban, six weeks after it was introduced.

Officers at Uttlesford District Council (UDC) are reminding premises owners exactly what they are required to do to avoid penalisation.

Lisa Lipscombe, health promotion officer, said: "We have received numerous calls from the public and business owners alike requiring clarification of the regulations.

"Compliance has been about 90 per cent with some confusion around signage for properties which, prior to the ban, would not have had smoking anyway.

"However, the law states you must have the regulatory A5 sign at your public entrances and these signs are still available through UDC."

Cllr Rod Chamberlain, vice-chairman of the community committee, reminded businesses that breaching the ban would mean they were issued with substantial fines.

"Businesses that permit smoking in inappropriate places are risking a heavy fine," he said. "As an enforcement agency UDC has done well and the response from businesses in the district has been very encouraging.

"With random checks being carried out, we're now ready to move from our advisory stance - warnings will be given, hopefully to avoid anyone facing a fixed penalty notice of up to £2500."

Cllr Chamberlain said that any businesses reported to the council to be flouting the ban would be investigated.

The smoking ban that came into effect on July 1 requires that all workplaces and enclosed public spaces should be smoke-free and carry an A5 sign; internal offices, toilets or shared rooms are also required to display a sign, although this can be smaller.

Smoking is also forbidden in shared company vehicles and signs to this effect should be visible inside the cabin.

Smoking shelters are required to not be more than half-enclosed and ought to be 1.5-metres from windows and doors.

Cllr Chamberlain reminded people that the ban had been introduced to improve public health. He said: "We all need to support it and do our part to ensure compliance with the law.

"People can now enjoy social activities without being subjected to other people's second-hand smoke.