Only one caution in smoke ban zone

Sep 1 2007 by Paula Owens, Liverpool Daily Post

JUST one person was cautioned for smoking in a public place in Liverpool during August, it has emerged.

This brings to just three the total number of warnings issued to individuals breaking the smoke-free law in the city since the national ban came into force two months ago.

A spokesman for Liverpool City Council said there had been no prosecutions and no fines in Liverpool since the law was introduced on July 1.

He added, though, that the city was still following a “softly, softly approach” initially, with offenders receiving warnings rather than getting a £50 fixed penalty.

He confirmed enforcement officers had caught one individual smoking in an enclosed public place in August and added two were caught in July.

A spokeswoman from the Roy Castle Fagends smoking cessation group said the number of phone calls received on their smoking cessation helpline had almost doubled this August compared to the same period last year.

She said: “The helpline covers Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens. The lines have been very busy compared to last year.”

FOR help to give up smoking, call freephone Roy Castle Fagends 0800 195 2131.