Ten Mid Wales businesses have been reprimanded in connection with the new smoking ban.
Since April 2, it has been an offence to smoke in enclosed public places in Wales - a similar ban takes effect in England on July 1.
Powys County Council has issued 10 written warnings in the first fortnight of the ban after inspecting 464 premises across the county.
Environmental officers say no fixed penalties have been enforced so far, as they were looking at giving help and information during the early stages of the ban. But they have warned tougher action will be taken on premises that continue to flout the rules.
A council spokesman said most of the warnings were because of incorrect signs.
“In these early stages, we are offering advice and guidance where genuinely required,” he said. “But refusal by businesses or individuals to comply with the ban will result in the use of enforcement powers.”
Anyone caught smoking in an enclosed public place faces an on-the-spot fine of £50, with owners of premises not enforcing it also facing a fine. The ban has effectively drawn a line down the border village of Llanymynech.
The Dolphin Inn in Wales is smoke-free but customers at the Cross Keys Hotel in England can still enjoy a cigarette - until the end of June.
4 Comments
Its about time the governement in this country stopped dictating to people and started working for the good of the country. Businesses have it hard enough without being persecuted for trying to make a living. Smokers are being singled out, what about people who drink too much? where do you draw the line?
Second hand drink doesn’t kill innocent people in the same building……
No, just innocent people on the roads. I know let’s ban private cars.
Why as a business owner do I now have to display a sign saying no smoking in my premises.
I & my employees do not smoke but now I can get fined if I do not display a sign.
Do I also have to have a sign saying no taking heroin, no murdering etc?
A ban is one thing - more red tape for business we can do without