BUSINESSES and residents are being warned about the urgent need to prepare for new smoke free regulations, which will be introduced on July 1.

Enforcement authority South Lakeland District Council is running a major awareness campaign throughout the area after linking up with bus company Stagecoach to spread the message.

Banner posters will go up on the back of buses reminding people when the new law comes in.

Smoking will be illegal in virtually all enclosed public places, and managers of smoke free premises will have legal responsibilities to prevent smoking and to ensure official no smoking signs are displayed.

Concerns have already been expressed nationally that people are not aware of the requirements of the law or the fines they could face for failing to comply with the regulations.

They must have all the required no smoking signs in place, ensure that staff, customers, members or visitors are aware that premises and work vehicles have to be smoke free and remove existing indoor smoking rooms.

Smoking in a smoke free place will carry a maximum £50 fixed penalty notice, failing to display the proper signs will carry a maximum £200 fixed penalty notice, and failing to prevent smoking in a smoke free place will be an offence for which the maximum fine on conviction will be £2,500.

For more information contact the Smoke free Information Line on 0800-1691697 or visit www.smokefreeengland.co.uk