UK Smoking Ban as it affects Social Clubs and Public Transport
Commons debates from May 2007: Smoking in Trains, Pubs ands Clubs
Commons debate on Railway Stations, Wednesday, 9th May 2007
Barry Sheerman, Labour MP for Huddersfield asked the Minster of Health what steps she has taken with regard inform public transport passengers of the introduction of a ban on smoking at railway stations, etc.
Caroline Flint [ Minister of State (Public Health), Department of Health ] is recorded at stating that the smokefree provisions within the Health Act 2006 will apply to virtually all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces,as well as to public transport vehicles
. She went of to point out that public most forms of public transport are already smoke-free anyway, pointing out that the London Underground ended smoking in all its trains and stations almost 20 years ago.
Naturally the Department of Health has met with Network Rail and with organisations representing all train, bus and coach operators in an effort to support the transport industry in their preparations for the implementation of the smoke free legislation on taking effect on the first of July, 2007. All companies and businesses will be requirement to display clear no-smoking signs that meet specified guidelines, the implication being of course that they are expected to enforce the ban
and to demonstrate that people who manage premises are taking reasonable steps to prevent smoking from taking place.
You can read more here: Smokefree guidance, no-smoking signage and supporting materials
Commons debate on Smoking in Social Clubs: Wednesday, 2 May 2007
Hugo Swire (Conservative MP for East Devon) asked the Secretary of State for Health what steps she has taken to ensure working men's clubs are aware of the forthcoming ban on smoking.
A similar question was also put to the honorable lady the previous day by Jim Cunningham (Labour MP for Coventry South), asking: what steps have been taken to inform owners of restaurants, hotels and pubs of the smoking ban coming into place on 1 July.
It was also asked Tuesday, 24thApril 2007 in debate by Greg Knight (Conservative MP for East Yorkshire) - and presumably by several other MP since it's initial announcement in Parliement. Hope these people read memo's? I've only managed to digest the same answer to the same question from 3 MP's, the poor woman but be sick to death of answering the same point over and over again. Get a grip of them Caroline,
As in other debates, Caroline Flint stated that The Department is providing a range of information and support to businesses to help them be ready for the implementation of smokefree legislation on 1 July 2007.
Specifically, on 23rd March 2007, her department published the guide "Everything you need to prepare for the new smokefree law on 1 July 2007" with comprehensive information on smokefree legislation for businesses. Apprently in April the guide was included within a pack that was posted to all employing and trading businesses in England, including working men's clubs. If you missed it, or are curious what it details, details of this and a lot more are available on the Smokefree England website
The rest of the rebate, for me, descends into a banal dialogue about ministerial reference groups and interested stakeholders and parties, including unions representing working men's clubs. Pttt! Don't hold with unions myself, from what I've seen, heard and experienced in the past most are utterly corrupt at various levels. Stewards taking overseas trips left right and center, then backing management claims with Needs of the business, lads…
. Lining their own pockets more like. Needs of the business my a
Anyway, if you think it affects your business, as well as the links about you can also contact their local council for information and advice on getting ready for the implementation of this very welcome smokefree legislation.
Note:
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence expects to publish its public health programme guidance on smoking cessation in November 2007.
[ Source includes: They Work for You : House of Commons, House of Lords, Northern Island Assembly ]
TheyWorkForYou.com is a non-partisan website run by a charity which aims to make it easy for people to keep tabs on their elected and unelected representatives in Parliament, and other assemblies.
