A publicity campaign aimed at making people aware of Northern Ireland's new no smoking laws is due to be launched. The provisions, made under the Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order SI 2006/2957, will come into force on 30 April 2007 and will mean that smoking will no longer be permitted in enclosed public placed and work places. The campaign will include television and radio advertisements, a website and a public information leaflet.
Health minister Paul Goggins said the campaign would include additional guidance for employers and the business community. "The campaign provides a lot of useful information, including the effects of second-hand smoke, general guidance on the smoke free legislation and advice on smoking cessation services." A team of ten environmental health officers have already starting working with businesses, and it is planned for them to visit premises and provide seminars and other materials to help them comply with the new law.
