In an effort to protect small businesses from excessive fines, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called upon national and local government to adopt a 'three strikes and you're out' approach with regard to the smoking ban.
Although the ban has been widely publicised, the FSB is concerned that some small businesses will not be aware of the requirements expected of them.
Under the ban, all enclosed workspaces must have at least A5-sized no smoking signs on the premises or be fined up to £200, while the fine for individuals caught lighting up in the workplace is £50 but the business can be fined up to £2,500.
However, the FSB is calling for authorities to issue a verbal warning in the event of a breach, followed on the second occasion by a written warning before a fine is levied on the third instance.
Mary Boughton, FSB health and safety chairman, said: "The enforcement agencies have to apply common sense to this ban.
"It is not good enough for them to go straight into businesses and hand out on-the-spot fines for a lack of no smoking signs."
The smoking ban comes into effect in England on July 1st.
