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On 1st July 07 The Big Smoke Goes Smoke Free

You have less than 3 months to go until the introduction of the ban on smoking in public places that will make every enclosed work place and public place smoke free.  From 1st July 2007, employers who fail to comply with the new legislation could face fines of up to £2,500.   The new law will require no-smoking signs to be displayed in all smokefree premises and vehicles to make it clear which premises and vehicles are smokefree and demonstrate that you are taking the necessary steps to meet the requirements of the new law.

To ensure employees are aware of smokefree legislation and changes to your workplace you may wish to consider developing a written smokefree policy for your salon, but be sure to get input from your team when doing so.  “Businesses don’t have to provide an outside shelter, smoking area, or stubbing out bin for their employees”, says Anne Long-Murray, Chief Executive of Salon Strategies. “So without a clear strategy in place you might end up with people standing outside the salon door for a cigarette break.  This gives the client a poor impression, so salon owners need to discuss these issues with staff before the ban comes into effect.”

London Assembly Member Jennette Arnold welcomes the ban as a huge milestone for public health in the UK and for health and safety in the workplace.  “We know that secondhand smoke is the single biggest health hazard to workers who spend time in smoky environments,” says Ms Arnold.  “As a former nurse, trade unionist and now chair of the London Health Commission, I’ve been campaigning for smokefree workplaces for decades, so 1st July can’t come soon enough!”

Many employers and workers are already aware of the new law and have started to gear up for it.  SmokeFree London aims to support and provide advice for those who need to make changes to their policies and premises.  For more  information on how your business can go smokefree, visit their website at www.smokefreelondon.org.