BUSINESSES in Bolton are being urged to make sure they are ready for next summer's smoking ban.

Bolton Council and the Primary Care Trust have organised an information day to explain what needs to be done to encourage the borough's firms to make the necessary preparations for their workplaces to be completely smoke free by summer 2007.

Deborah Collinson, from Bolton PCT, said: "Bolton is on its way to being prepared for the smoking ban and we're very much gearing up to support local businesses. We don't want anyone to be caught out.

"Whether businesses employ one or 1,000 people, this smoking ban will apply to them and we want to make sure we get this message out to them."

In February, MPs voted with a massive majority to ban smoking in all public places, including pubs, clubs and private members bars.

From next summer, smoking rooms will no longer be allowed, smoking in shared company vehicles and taxis will have to stop and some outdoor smoking shelters might not be compliant with the new legislation. Mrs Collinson said: "Second-hand smoke, that which is exhaled by smokers or the side stream smoke from the burning tip of a cigarette, poses a very real threat to the health, and in some cases, the life of both smokers and non-smokers.

"The Government has taken action to reduce this risk by introducing smoke free legislation in all workplaces and public places and this is coming very soon."

The move to ban smoking in all English pubs, clubs and enclosed workplaces from next summer became law after Royal Assent for the Health Act was announced in the House of Lords last week.

The Primary Care Trust information day will take place at Bolton Town Hall on September 13.

Speakers include Hilary Waring from the Tobacco Collaborating Centre, Pat Karney, director of Smoke-free Greater Manchester and a speaker from the National Clean Air Award.

For more information contact Deborah Collinson on 01204 377060 or Alf Barker on 01204 336557.