No smoking in enclosed public spaces
Enforcing the smoke-free law in the Falkirk Council area
The law concerning smoking in enclosed public spaces in Scotland came into effect on 26th March 2006.
Falkirk Council’s Environmental Health staff are responsible for the enforcement of the smoke-free law. In particular, two Smoking Enforcement Officers are employed specifically to apply this law, as well as offer advice and guidance to the public.
These officers carry out both random and pre-arranged visits to premises affected by the law. Their main aim is to educate proprietors and staff about the law to assist in a smooth changeover into a smoke-free environment for all.
The enforcement style takes the form of an educational approach with the hope of obtaining the full co-operation of everyone affected by the law.
Smoking Enforcement Officers can deal with those found breaking the smoke-free law in several ways, ranging from a verbal warning, to written warnings, on the spot fines and in extreme cases a report to the Procurator Fiscal.
Businesses have a legal responsibility to ensure that all premises and vehicles covered by the legislation display a "No smoking" sign including a first point of contact for complaints about breaches of the law.
Complaints
Complaints can be made to:
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Falkirk Council
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The National Compliance Line
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All complaints made about premises in the Falkirk Council area will be investigated.
Further information on the smoke-free law is available from the Scottish Executive at www.clearingtheairscotland.com|.
Warning signs and advice on stopping smoking
At the start of 2006, the Scottish Executive sent all businesses an information pack with advice on how they may be affected and on how to comply with the smoke-free law. If you need more copies of the signs, posters or advice brochures you can find them at the Clearing the Air| website.
NHS Forth Valley| has information and advice on where to access smoking cessation services.