Councils across the UK have been working with businesses in the run up to 1st July 2007, informing them about the smoke-free legislation and to make sure they are fully aware of their responsibilities.

So, how did the rest of the United Kingdom do when they went smokefree?

Wales - Became Smokefree on April 2 2007
During the first five weeks of the ban, 25 breaches were reported by Councils - however no fixed penalty notices were handed out. Powys Council visited 464 premises and gave 11 written warnings. Cardiff Council visited 842 premises and did not report any breaches of the new laws.

Scotland - Became Smokefree on March 26 2006
In Edinburgh only nine fixed penalty notices have been handed out. Only one of these involved a pub, for putting up its smoking shelter incorrectly.

Northern Ireland - Became Smokefree on April 30 2007
An overall compliance rate of 99.5% was reported by councils after almost 18,000 premises were inspected during the first few weeks of the ban.

Republic of Ireland - Became Smokefree on March 29 2004
The Republic of Ireland was the first country in Europe to go smokefree.
The Irish Office of Tobacco Control reported in December 2004 that compliance levels with the new law were high - 94% in hotels, 99% in restaurants and 91% in licensed premises.

In England, evidence suggests that businesses, employees and the public are abiding by the new smoke-free laws.  The Council has received no complaints about people smoking in a public place or a workplace.

For further information on the United Kingdom and other areas of the world click here for Smokefree World.