Northern Ireland has become smoke-free – with local councils at the forefront of enforcing the ban. The new legislation is intended to protect public health by reducing exposure to second-hand smoke in the workplace, most enclosed public spaces and on public transport. Businesses have been issued with guidelines by local authorities, and environmental health officers will now ensure the policy is enforced. Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) president Cllr Sean McPeake said: ‘All 26 councils in the north are totally committed to supporting this ban, given the public health threat of passive smoking. ‘The association has been lobbying hard for this important piece of public health legislation to be implemented.'
