The LGA has called on the Government to give councils the necessary resources to enforce new smoking regulations. Health minister, Caroline Flint, launched draft regulations to ban smoking in all enclosed public spaces and at work this week. LGA public health spokesperson, Cllr David Rogers, said the new regulations were necessary, but added councils needed the resources to enfore the new ban. ‘Smoke-free public places will only become a reality if the regulations are clearly understood by both the public and businesses alike,’ he said. ‘It is pleasing to see the Government has avoided introducing any costly or confusing exemptions that would have made it extremely difficult to make this legislation work. ‘Local authorities must now be given sufficient resources to enforce the ban, and make it a success.’ A consultation on the finer details of the legisation, such as exemptions and signage requirements, was also launched. ‘We have worked closely with stakeholders in drafting these regulations and continue to listen to the opinion of the public, stakeholders and the commercial sector in the countdown to going smoke-free next summer,’ said the minister.
