July 1 2007 is the date set for England to go Smoke Free and Great Yarmouth leads the way by still being one of the few borough councils in the country to have the services of a dedicated Smoke Free Workplace Coordinator.

At 6a.m on that Sunday all public places and businesses will be required by law to be smoke free

“If you fail to prepare – you prepare to fail,” is the warning from Ivan Clark. The Smoke Free Workplace Coordinator has been offering advice, developing strategies and providing useful information to help businesses within the borough comply with the legislation.

Ivan stresses that: “The key to a successful and seamless transition is careful preparation supported by professional help and advice.”

A newsletter F.A.G (Fresher Air in Great Yarmouth) was delivered to around 3,000 businesses during September, offering advice regarding the new impending law and a survey form to establish and gauge the feeling of business owners regarding changes that they would need to make.

An excellent response (10 per cent) showed in excess of 80 per cent were aware of the legislation and nearly 70 per cent were in favour of the law banning smoking in all public places, the respondents including smokers who welcomed the new law as an opportunity to break the habit.

The winter edition of F.A.G, covering the new law, will be delivered to the same number of businesses within the next few days and will give an overview of the legislation for those who own or drive company vehicles.

A major exhibition and information day to be held at Great Yarmouth Town Hall on March 15 aims to assist business owners and mangers as they prepare in good time for the implementation date in July.

Because some businesses fear the new law could be detrimental to their trade, work is well underway to publish a specialised toolkit designed to help public house landlords and managers of hospitality businesses to understand and implement the new law in a way that will protect and expand their business.

It should be available for business mangers in the borough in early spring.

Ivan can be contacted for help advice or an informal discussion during business hours on 01493 846478, 07795 428180 or email ilc@great-yarmouth.gov.uk

Further information on smoke free workplaces can be found on the Council’s website at www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk