Licensees in Pembrokeshire are being invited to a series of presentations across the county to learn about the forthcoming smoking ban. The sessions will inform employers in the hospitality trade about the forthcoming legislation and their responsibilities. The meetings have been organised by Pembrokeshire County Council's new anti-smoking team, whose role it is to enforce the ban when it comes into effect in Wales on April 2. Mike Drew and Jenny Slate, whose posts are funded by the Welsh assembly Government, will be responsible for providing business and consumer advice on the new law and for ensuring that workplaces and enclosed public places in the county are smoke free. The new law aims to protect workers and the general public from the harmful effects of second- hand smoke. Similar legislation has also taken effect in Scotland and will be implemented in England and Northern Ireland later this year. "The new law to ban smoking in public places follows extensive research, which shows the health risks of second-hand smoke," said Mike Drew. "Although it will affect all businesses, it is likely that it will be most felt by pubs, restaurants, hotels and guest houses. We have therefore organised this series of presentations about the new law specifically for those in the trade." The sessions will be held at five locations across the county and there will be two presentations each day at 10 am and 2 pm: Monday, February 19, at Nant-y-Ffin, Llandissilio. Tuesday, February 20, at Fishguard Bay Hotel, Fishguard. Thursday, February 22, at De Valence Pavilion, Tenby. Friday, February 23, at The Pavilion Showground, Haverfordwest. Tuesday, February 27, at the E Commerce Centre, Cleddau Reach, Pembroke Dock.
