Stratford-on-Avon District Council is encouraging all commercial premises to keep our District clear of smoking-related litter by the introduction of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) or Street Litter Control Notices.
With this most recent amendment to the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, that amended the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to include smoking-related litter under the general definition of Litter, Local Governments have the authority to issue "Street Litter Control Notices". The Notices can be served on premises where smoking-related litter is produced as a result of their activities if they cause the defacement of the street or open land adjacent to the vicinity of the premise.
FPNs are also an option available to tackle all littering on the street by enforcing fines. The level of the FPN is set locally at £75, with an option for a reduced rate for early payment. In addition, subject to certain conditions, officers of a Parish Council and those not in the direct employment of the Local Authority, such as a cleansing contractor, are authorised to issue FPNs for this offence. Premises to be affected include:
· Clubs
· Pubs
· Cafes
· Restaurants
or where local authorities might expect greater amount of littering due to smoking.
"Naturally, we remain optimistic that it will prove unnecessary to invoke this legislation by issuing Notices or FPNs on any commercial premises in the District. I am sure that proprietors, as a matter of good practice and in the interests of presenting the external appearance of their businesses to best effect, will ensure that curtileges are kept litter free," says Councillor Simon Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Environment.
"After all, keeping our District clean and free of litter places a collective responsibility on us all." The new powers are in line with the Council's Corporate Aim of developing healthier communities.
For full information please visit the DEFRA website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/localenv/legislation/cnea/cigarette-litter.pdf or call the Council's Smoke-Free Advisor, Angela Lloyd on: 01789 260827.
