Issue - meetings

This report provides background information on the smokefree legislation and requests the Executive Member to approve an enforcement policy.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Advisory Panel advise the Executive Member to note the contents of the report and approve the enforcement policy (Smokefree Legislation) outlined in Annex One.

 Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel as set out above be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  To encourage the consistent application of the smokefree legislation in the North Yorkshire region, to assist businesses to understand what is required and an approved enforcement policy to strengthen the councils position in court.

Members considered a report, which provide background information on the provisions within the Health Act 2006 relating to smokefree areas, which would become law in England on 1 July 2007. A number of exemptions, had been listed at paragraph 9 of the report.  Consideration was also given to the City of York Council’s proposed enforcement policy in relation to the legislation.

Officers confirmed that both the Government and NHS were involved in a national publicity campaign to  raise awareness and understanding of the issues followed by enforcement where advice had not been acted upon. Funding was available for a 2 year period, which had been used to employ two smokefree officers for a 12 month period and to cover other implementation costs.  It was confirmed that there had been a high degree of compliance in areas where this legislation had already been introduced.

Members questioned the term “substantially enclosed “ and Officers circulated copies of the NHS booklet “England Becomes Smokefree 1 July 2007” Your guide to the new smokefree law, which detailed the points, raised. Members welcomed the legislation and the Departments response to it.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Advisory Panel advise the Executive Member to note the contents of the report and approve the enforcement policy (Smokefree Legislation) outlined in Annex One.

 Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel as set out above be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  To encourage the consistent application of the smokefree legislation in the North Yorkshire region, to assist businesses to understand what is required and an approved enforcement policy to strengthen the councils position in court.