DROP IN SURGERIES GIVE BUSINESSES LOWDOWN ON SMOKING BAN
| Published: 16th June 2007 22:27 |
SIX SURGERIES will take place at venues around the borough in the month of June. The first has already taken place at The Octagon in Central Parade, New Addington, on 7 June. The other meetings are as follows:
Monday 18 June, 1-3pm, The Foyer, 162 Gillett Road, Thornton Heath.
Thursday 21 June, South Norwood Baptist Church, Holmesdale Cornerstone, 2 Oliver Avenue, South Norwood
Monday 25 June, 4-7pm, Croydon Enterprise, 18 Church Road, Upper Norwood.
Wednesday 27 June, 4-6pm, The Smitham Centre, Room 6, Malcolm Road, Coulsdon.
Thursday 28 June, 12-2pm, Purley Cross Centre, 12 Brighton Road, Purley.
Representatives from businesses around the town will be invited to attend their local event, all of which have been targeted at key district centres within the borough. The surgeries will run on a ‘drop in' basis with both council and PCT staff on hand to give out advice and information and to answer questions and queries. Information will also be available on the stop smoking clinics available within the borough.
Councillor Steve O'Connell, deputy leader and cabinet member for safety and cohesion said: "The new legislation banning smoking in enclosed public spaces will have a direct effect on every business within the borough. It is vital that everyone is aware of their responsibilities to both customers and staff.
"These surgeries are designed to give the local business community the opportunity to ensure that they are fully prepared for 1 July."
Once the ban comes into force, the council will have sole responsibility for ensuring compliance. Any individual caught lighting up in a banned area faces the prospect of a £50 fixed penalty notice or a £200 court fine. In addition the owner or manager of the premises could be liable for a fine of up to £2,500.
