With little more than two weeks until Wales goes smoke-free, Pembrokeshire's smoking ban enforcement staff are stepping up their awareness campaign. Staff are holding a programme of visits from now until April 2 - when the ban comes into force - to some 600 establishments in the county, from public houses to bingo halls, bookmakers, social clubs, and taxi firms. They will be giving business-friendly and consumer advice on the new smoking laws, including signage, smoking shelters, limited exemptions for residential homes and hotels, and other issues. The team has already made presentations to some 300 members of the licensed trade, members of the Licensed Victuallers Association (LVA), architects and planners, representatives of care homes, rugby clubs, and more. Mike Drew, smoke-free co-ordinator at Pembrokeshire County Council, said they have been working hard with local organisations to raise awareness of the imminent ban. "We are using every avenue we can before the 2nd of April to strengthen our contact with local businesses and establishments," he said. "The feedback from our presentations has been excellent, with many appreciating the clear guidance and clarification of several issues." The new law aims to protect workers and the general public from the harmful effects of second hand smoke. It means that smoking in workplaces and enclosed public places will be prohibited from April 2. Similar legislation has also taken effect in Scotland and will be implemented in England and Northern Ireland later this year.
