EMPLOYERS are warned they face stiff fines for failing to implement draconian measures to ban smoking in public open spaces from July 1. It's not just pubs and club owners affected. Nearly all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places, workplaces and work vehicles will become smokefree and all businesses have to produce a smoking policy to include procedures for dealing with non compliance.

Policing the ban will be the responsibility of the respective local authority but fines as high as £2,500 for not enforcing the ban and £200 for not displaying proper signage will be common throughout the UK.

Under existing legislation an £80 fixed penalty is in place to fine individuals who drop their cigarette butt in public and there could be even tougher legislation in future for companies who fail to sweep up outside their premises.

The cost of implementing the ban is estimated at about £50 million which Health Secretary Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt thinks is a small price for saving thousands of lives. She has powered the legislation through Parliament and says the ban is a "huge step forward".

Business Link knows business are confused and have been running a series of free seminars in the run up to introduction of the legislation. The next dates and locations are: June 5 at Chiltern District Council Offices, Amersham from 2.30 - 4.30 p.m.

June 12 at Aston Hall, Civic Centre, Aylesbury from 9.00 - 11.00 am June 12 The Hub, Easton Street, High Wycombe 2.30 - 4.30 pm June 13 South Bucks District Council Offices, Denham 8.30 - 10.30 a.m.

Places are limited and full details can be ontained by calling 0845 600 9 006 or emailing your name, business name, address and chosen date of attendance to events@businesslinksolutions.co.uk. Although there is no charge although there will be a £10 cancellation charge.