Council promotes adherence to smoking ban following prosecution

Following the successful prosecution of a taxi driver for flouting the no smoking ban by lighting up in his vehicle, Newry and Mourne Council has renewed its campaign to encourage the public to adher to the ban.

Taxi driver prosecuted for flouting no-smoking ban

Despite his attempt to claim exemption from the smoking ban, a Newry taxi driver has been prosecuted under The Smoking (NI) Order 2006.

Mr Martin Flood was found guilty of flouting the ban when he was observed smoking in his taxi by a Tobacco Control Officer from Newry and Mourne District Council.

Flood’s detection on December 18th last year was his second offence and as a result, the Council instigated legal proceedings against him for smoking in what was a smoke-free vehicle.

The Magistrate did not accept Flood’s argument that the vehicle was used primarily for personal use and therefore did not come under smoking ban regulations.  He was fined £288 including costs.

Following the ruling, officials from Newry and Mourne Council have renewed their pledge to ensure the rules of the smoking ban are adhered to by everyone in the district.