Brierfield taxi boss to pay up £445 for smoking at work
A BRIERFIELD taxi boss has been ordered to pay £445 for smoking at his place of work.
Ali Akbar, of Railway Street, admitted smoking in his taxi office when he appeared at Reedley Magistrates' Court. He represented himself and pleaded guilty to the charge.
An environmental health officer from Pendle Council saw Mr Akbar smoking in his office on December 12th.
In court, Mr Akbar said he did not know he was not allowed to smoke in rooms adjoining the office, which are the kitchen and toilet. He said he had been smoking in the adjoining rooms, and then went into the office to find a file. Mr Akbar said the adjoining rooms now have signs making it clear that smoking is not allowed.
The magistrates fined Mr Akbar £180 and ordered him to pay £250 costs and £15 victim surcharge. Mr Akbar was ordered to pay the total of £445 within 28 days.
Coun. David Clegg, environmental health spokesman in Pendle, said: "I strongly criticise anyone who ignores public health and the national smoking ban like this.
"The council is determined to protect people from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. Mr Akbar behaved irresponsibly, exposing his staff to his cigarette smoke.
"This should not be happening in work places any more, and our environmental health officers work hard to stop it."
If you know of a workplace that allows smoking indoors, you can report them to environmental health. Call 662020 or email
john.heys@pendle.gov.uk.
Sheila Bell, the council's health education and promotion officer, added: "We understand smoking is a strong addiction and want to help anyone who would like to stop smoking. With support, a quit attempt is four times more likely to succeed. Help is available from the local NHS Stop Smoking Service on 607002. The service offers non-judgemental, friendly support which is free of charge."
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