Butt out

There are just a few days left until smoking is banned in all enclosed public places in England.

From 1 July all enclosed public places including offices, factories, pubs and bars, will be affected. Any premises where people work and/or where people have access to will have to display prominent "no smoking" signs around their premises.

Cllr Jean Heywood, Portfolio Holder for Environment, is pictured here with a smoking mascot which has been out and about helping to get the message across in Hertsmere. Cllr Heywood said: "We have been working hard to ensure people understand what the changes mean and what businesses need to do about it. For some the changes in law will have a major impact, while for others less so but we have been keen to help people understand the implications."

The law also applies to vehicles - if you use a vehicle for work purposes - this counts as a work place, or if you are provided with a vehicle by your work place (such as a dustcart) this too counts as a workplace.

If you're caught smoking in a banned area you could be fined £50 and those in charge of the premises could face a £2,500 fine if they fail to stop you. They could also be charged on-the-spot fines of £200 if they fail to display no-smoking signs, with the penalty increasing to £1,000 if the issue goes to court.

For all the latest information about the ban, for guidance and free signage log on to www.smokefreeengland.co.uk Information is also available through the information line on 0800 169 169 7.