30 - 2,000 premises receive smokefree inspections

 

And 12 months on from the introduction, figures show that 97.6% were smokefree and 95.7% were displaying the correct no smoking signage.

 

National figures show that premises and vehicle compliance over the first nine months was over 98% and signage compliance 87.2%.

 

Locally, from July 07 to March 08, Dudley Council inspected nearly 2,000 premises and 95 vehicles required under the law to be smokefree. Of these 97.6% were smokefree and 95.7% were displaying the correct no-smoking signage.

 

The primary aim of the smokefree law is to protect workers and the general public from exposure to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

 

Around 2,500 smokers in Dudley have kicked the habit this year since the introduction of the smokefree legislation. The Dudley Stop Smoking Service has reported that from April 2007 to March 2008, 2,500 people quit smoking, which represents a 17% increase in people giving up than the previous year.

 

Anyone who wants help and advice to go smokefree should contact the Dudley Stop Smoking Service on 0800 0850 652 or visit their website www.dudleystopsmoking.co.uk