Office of Tobacco Control says compliance high but offenders will be pursued

The Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) has today (Tuesday, 20 July 2004) welcomed the high level of support and compliance with the smoke-free workplace legislation from proprietors, managers and the public – smokers and non-smokers alike. 

Unfortunately there have been a small number of offenders who have flouted the law, such as those in the successful case taken by the Western Health Board today.  The enforcement authorities will vigorously pursue persistent offenders to ensure that the law is complied with. 

The Office compliments the work of environmental health officers and the health boards on their continuing very successful efforts to build compliance with the smoke-free law.  These efforts are vital so that people can work and socialise in healthy smoke-free environments free from the dangerous adverse health effects of second-hand smoke.