A SOLICITOR from Worcester is warning that many businesses and employers will not be ready for the smoking ban in enclosed spaces which starts in less than two weeks.

Amanda Pillinger, who works for Harrison Clark, has warned pubs and restaurants might face a huge fine for failing to prevent smoking or displaying a no-smoking sign.

Mrs Pillinger, who specialises in employment and licensing law, has outlined what the law will mean for employees who may not know exactly what to expect - and has advised all businesses to take legal advice.

"The regulations will draw on what is smoking and what is an open place, and these haven't been confirmed yet. For example, signs have to be put up. All businesses are going to need these signs to confirm that it's a no-smoking area," she added.

Mrs Pillinger said: "It is a requirement that all premises, including, it would seem, vehicles, that are designated smoke-free as a result of the ban must display a no-smoking' sign at each entrance. Although the requirements are not so onerous for vehicles a sign must still be displayed."

This sign must be at least A5 and bear the words No Smoking. It is against the law to smoke in these premises'.

The ban will affect all buildings that are open to the public or that are places of work for more than one person. Premises will be smoke-free all the time if they are used as a place of work by more than one person or where members of the public might visit.

For example, if someone works at home and employs a housekeeper or nanny, this means more than one person will be working at the house. Therefore, the house needs to be smoke-free all the time.

Also, if clients visit your home, this means the ban will apply. It will affect all premises and vehicles - but not convertibles, aircraft, ships or hovercraft.

Non-enclosed rooms are exempt, provided the walls enclose no more than 50 per cent. But open window areas are not included within the calculation and it is important to note that if premises have a temporary roof then, for the purposes of the ban, it is assumed the roof is in place.

People have tried to avoid the ban by building outside shelters where there are gaps in the walls to ensure that the 50 per cent maximum enclosure is complied with.

Other exempt areas include specialist tobacconists, designated hotel rooms and offshore installations.

Penalties for failing to display a no-smoking sign can reach up to £1,000, or a fixed penalty of £200, which is reduced to £150 if paid within 15 days. For smoking, a penalty of up to £200 or fixed penalty of £50, reduced to £30 if paid within 15 days. And for failing to prevent smoking, up to £2,500 with no fixed penalties available.

Mrs Pillinger said: "If they do have questions then give me a ring. The fines are fairly high and every building is going to be affected."

Contact Mrs Pillinger at Harrison Clark on 01905 744890.