This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/6528211.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Smoking ban 'will be challenge' Smoking ban 'will be challenge'
(about 1 hour later)
Small businesses in Northern Ireland have been urged to be prepared for the implementation of the public smoking in three weeks time. Small businesses in Northern Ireland have been urged to be prepared for the implementation of the public smoking ban in three weeks time.
Firms could be fined up to £2,500 if smokers are caught on their premises.Firms could be fined up to £2,500 if smokers are caught on their premises.
The Federation of Small Businesses said owners will need to be vigilant and staff will have to be trained to deal with people flouting the ban.The Federation of Small Businesses said owners will need to be vigilant and staff will have to be trained to deal with people flouting the ban.
FSB spokesman Harry McGimpsey said enforcing the regulations would prove a challenge for its members.FSB spokesman Harry McGimpsey said enforcing the regulations would prove a challenge for its members.
"We represent over 6,000 businesses, many of which are pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants, whose owners will feel the full force of the ban," he said."We represent over 6,000 businesses, many of which are pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants, whose owners will feel the full force of the ban," he said.
"While we support the health reasons behind it, which will on the whole benefit small businesses, some of the proposals will have cost implications for our members in terms of the signage required and preparing outside areas for customers who wish to smoke.""While we support the health reasons behind it, which will on the whole benefit small businesses, some of the proposals will have cost implications for our members in terms of the signage required and preparing outside areas for customers who wish to smoke."