SMOKING BAN

From 30th April 2007 Northern Ireland's smoke-free legislation will come into effect. This means that smoking will no longer be permitted in enclosed public places and work places right across Northern Ireland.

The intention of the new law is to save lives and prevent disease caused by passive smoking. Passive smoke meaning the breathing in of other people's tobacco smoke which is also known as second-hand smoke or Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS).

Smoking will no longer be allowed in any workplace or public place which is 'wholly or substantially enclosed'. In simple terms this means a public place, including workplace, which has a roof and walls on at least 50% of its perimeter.

Such is the comprehensive nature of the legislation that very few places are exempt.

The legislation introduces new criminal offences for failing to comply with the law, which will be enforced by the Environmental Health Department. Environmental Health also has a role in ensuring that businesses and individuals have the information and advice they require to comply with the law.

Coleraine Football Club will enforce this ban from 30th April 2007. Further announcements will be made concerning this ban at the Showgrounds on forthcoming matchdays and in the club programme.