How likely are people to abide by the new law?
Evidence from other parts of the UK and Ireland suggest that the majority of people will abide by the new law. Local councils have been working with businesses to educate and inform them about the smokefree legislation and to ensure they are fully aware of their responsibilities. Wales: During the first five months of the ban, 25 breaches were reported by councils, however, no fixed penalty notices were handed out. Powys council visited 464 premises and gave 11 written warnings. Cardiff council visited 842 premises and did not report any breaches of the new law. Scotland: In Edinburgh, nine fixed penalty notices have been handed out. Only one of these involved a pub, for putting up its smoking shelter incorrectly. Northern Ireland: An overall compliance rate of 99.5% was reported by councils after almost 18,000 premises were inspected during the first few weeks of the ban. Republic of Ireland: The Irish Office of Tobacco Control reported in December 2004 that compliance levels with the
