Free smoke ban offer

A sign company in Cannock is handing out free signs to businesses in a bid to help prepare for the looming smoking ban.

Kazoo Print Signs and Graphics has more than 1,000 government-approved signs which can be collected free of charge from its premises at Exchange Business Park.

The Government Health Act with enforce no smoking signs in public places or workplaces from July 1 and there is a threat of fines of up to £1,000 for anyone failing to comply.

The new rules state signs showing the international no smoking symbol and the wording 'It is against the law to smoke in these premises', must be displayed at every public entrance to smoke-free buildings.

Company vehicles that are used by more than one person must also display the no smoking symbol. Director of Kazoo Simon Talbot said: "This is something that will affect every shop, office, pub and restaurant but, when you're running a business.

"We want to make it as easy as possible for local businesses to comply with the new legislation, and save them some money as well."

He added: "We've printed off a batch of 1,000 A5, self-adhesive No Smoking signs in line with the Government specs and will be happy to give anyone visiting our unit two signs each, free of charge."

The signs will be available on a first come, first served basis from Tuesday at Unit 3, Exchange Business Park, Cross Street, Bridgtown. Around 3,000 businesses in Cannock and Rugeley have already been sent information packs telling them how to deal with the looming smoking ban.

Cannock Chase District Council sent out the packs giving local telephone numbers to ring for further advice.