HEALTH officials in North Somerset are urging people to have their say about the future of smoking in England. Draft regulations banning smoking in public places and vehicles were unveiled by the Department of Health on July 17 and are open for consultat

HEALTH officials in North Somerset are urging people to have their say about the future of smoking in England.Draft regulations banning smoking in public places and vehicles were unveiled by the Department of Health on July 17 and are open for consultation until October 9.Anyone with an interest in the plans to make virtually all enclosed public and workplaces smoke free by summer next year can air their views.North Somerset Council's executive member responsible for adult services, Cllr Muriel Kraft, said: "It has been said this is the most important health improvement for our country since the introduction of the seat belt. It's important we tell our government how we want it to work to make sure the transition to smoke-free England goes smoothly next year."The consultation covers the finer details of how smoke-free legislation will be implemented and enforced.Views are needed on issues such as which premises will be exempted and what signs should be in place for smoke-free establishments.For further information about the consultation and the proposed legislation log onto www.dh.gov.uk/consultations/liveconsultationsTo take part in the consultation e-mail smokefreeregulations@dh.gsi.gov.uk