Ninety seven per cent of premises inspected two weeks after the 1 July smoking ban were smoke free, and the data has been heralded as a mark of success.
The Department of Health, publisher of the figures, said the statistics confirm that there has been very high compliance with the new laws and show that compliance is already comparable to the high levels experienced during the first month of smoke free in Scotland and Ireland.
Of the 88,899 inspects, 79 per cent were displaying the correct no-smoking signage. Compliance was even higher in smoke free vehicles, with figures of 98 per cent and 84 per cent respectively.
Just one fixed penalty notice and 142 written warnings were issued two weeks after the ban was introduced.
Minister of State for Public Health, Dawn Primarolo, said: “These high levels of real protection from second hand smoke in public places and workplaces are a testament to everyone involved. Efforts from enforcement officers in local authorities and businesses, especially those in the hospitality sector and also the public have all contributed to making this country a healthier place in which to work and socialise.”
