The new law banning smoking at work and in other enclosed public places will come into force on July 1. However, the law contains some contradictions. For example, you may smoke at home alone, but if a colleague comes over to discuss work issues, smoking would be illegal. You may smoke if you invite friends to a party, but if waiters serve food and drinks, smoking is prohibited.
A smoking room located near offices will also be illegal if the 'tobacco police' consider it an enclosed space. And those who silently observe a smoker will pay for 'non-intervention' a fine of up to £2,500.
Local authorities have been allocated £29.5 million to inform the public of the new rules. However, this money may also be used to pay staff who will issue on-the-spot fines of £50 and prepare lawsuits against establishments violating the law.
In the coming months, 1,200 employees will undergo training in special courses. "At first, local authorities will not be too strict," says one of the instructors, Ian Gray. "But there are cases when intervention is required, and I am sure that patrol officers will not hesitate to take decisive action. Officials are not obliged to announce their arrival. They have the right to photograph and videotape visitors to gather evidence, although in some cases this may be inappropriate."
About 30 officials will patrol the streets of Nottingham, and the local council is also considering introducing 'street wardens' to assist the police. According to council member Steve Dowling, the authorities have "about 100 employees who will be tasked with enforcing the law."
In Liverpool, there will be between 20 and 25 patrolling officials, but in the first days of the law, about 200 people will be on the city's streets. Liverpool council representative Andy Hull said in an interview with the BBC: "We want our presence to be felt, and on the first day we may limit ourselves to warnings, or we may demonstratively fine a few people or establishments."
According to a spokesperson for the Department of Health, the funds allocated to local authorities are intended for two years. "Local authorities will decide for themselves how to spend the money. They can also help owners of public establishments prepare for July 1. To successfully implement the smoking ban, it is very important to inform citizens. Therefore, the government is taking all measures to ensure the population is aware of the new rules," he says.
However, Simon Clark, director of the smokers' group Forest, believes that "making officials spy on people is unethical." And a spokesperson for the British Beer and Pub Association called the plan "too complicated."
Information about the increase in tobacco patrol officers appeared after The Daily Telegraph published an article stating that on the streets of some cities one can encounter only three police officers.
Translation by Gzt.ru