A MAN from Nelson has been fined £50 for smoking in a public place.
Mohammed Ishaq (54), of Vernon Street, Nelson was issued with a fixed penalty notice at his workplace on Monday, May 14th.
Mr Ishaq works as a taxi driver for Crown/Green Line Taxis in Colne.
A Pendle Council officer witnessed Mr Ishaq smoking in the taxi office in Market Place, Colne on Friday, May 11th.
He spoke to Mr Ishaq who admitted that he knew he was committing an offence.
He then returned on Monday, May 14th to issue Mr Ishaq with a fixed penalty notice.
This carries a fine of £50, although this reduces to £30 if it is paid within 14 days.
Coun. John David, Executive Member for Environmental Services, said: “Under the Health Act 2006, it is an offence to smoke in any public place, including places of work and work vehicles. Most people abide by this.
“Our Environmental Health Officer has given warnings at various places of work when he’s witnessed people smoking where they shouldn’t.
“Anyone witnessed to be smoking in public places will be issued with a fixed penalty notice - and they could end up in court if they don’t pay the fixed penalty fine.”
This is the third fixed penalty notice Pendle Council has issued under smoke free legislation this year.
Last year, eight fixed penalty notices were issued for smoking in public places.
To report anyone you see smoking in a public building, workplace or work vehicle, call 661568.