From 1st of July it will be against the law to smoke in virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England. Public transport and work vehicles used by more than one person will also be required to be smokefree.

Last week, a worrying 42% of businesses who took part  a Chamber survey said that they were not yet ready to go Smokefree.

Here’s a checklist of what you need to do. Employers, managers and those in charge of smokefree premises and vehicles will need to:

• display ‘no smoking’ signs in smokefree premises
• take reasonable steps to ensure that staff, customers/members and visitors are aware that premises and vehicles are legally required to be smokefree
• ensure that no one smokes in smokefree premises or vehicles

You may also want to take these supportive measures:

• remove ashtrays from smokefree areas
• develop a smokefree policy in consultation with staff
• provide your staff and customers with support to quit smoking
• ensure that your staff and customers know where they can smoke if they choose to

The Government has produced a practical guide to help businesses and organisations prepare for the new law as the countdown begins. This guidance will be mailed to all employing, actively trading businesses registered with Companies House in April. You can also download a copy now and free signage from www.smokefreeengland.co.uk/resources.

In Scotland, where a ban was introduced a year ago, research has shown that it stimulated an increase in people seeking help to quit smoking.

Chamber members Renewu offer a non-invasive, drug-free and totally painless therapy called Bioresonance which claims a 90% success rate, for further information visit www.renewu.co.uk or call 0151 702 9000.