Over three months on from the introduction of the smokefree legislation Huntingdonshire District Council continues to be committed to making sure that the people of Huntingdonshire can enjoy a smoke-free environment.

The introduction of smokefree workplaces and public places including restaurants and pubs has run smoothly and has been a fantastic success both in terms of businesses complying and customers appreciating a smoke free environment in pubs and restaurants.

Environmental health staff have visited 1000 premises across Huntingdonshire and found 100% rate of compliance with 99% of businesses displaying the correct signage. In the first three months only 14 complaints have been received and three written warnings have been issued.

Councillor Deborah Reynolds whose executive responsibilities include public health said, "I am pleased to hear that it has gone so smoothly during the first three months of the introduction of the legislation. I would like to congratulate the officers involved because much of the success is down to the excellent work carried out by them and in particular the support given in advance of the ban to help businesses be prepared.”

The district council will continue to educate businesses and want to encourage everyone to observe the law, rather than having to use their powers to enforce it.

The introduction of the smoke free legislation has not only proved highly effective at creating a smoke free environment, it is also encouraging many people to quit. Working with Cambridgeshire Primary Care Trust the council are encouraging local businesses to link up with a Camquit advisor to run free stop smoking sessions or attend free training to enable a member of staff to run a clinic in-house.
 
If you are one of the 70 per cent of smokers who would like to quit or are an employer who wishes to promote healthy living then please contact Oliver Langford on 01489 388582.