Council fines driver for smoking

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A council has handed out its first £50 fine for smoking, to a driver who had lit up in his boss's vehicle.

Conwy Council warned that future offenders may be named and shamed.

A spokesman said that the employee chose to disregard both the law, which came into force in Wales on 2 April, and his employer's instructions.

A council enforcement officer had spotted the driver, who was employed by a private company, "smoking in a place of work."

On 1 July England joined Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in banning smoking in enclosed spaces.

Last week former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy was "spoken to" by police for smoking on a train from London Paddington to Plymouth.

On Thursday the House of Commons was also told other MPs were not obeying the new smoking ban.

Although not illegal in the Palace of Westminster, both Houses of Parliament agreed to restrict smoking to four designated outside areas, although those caught smoking will not face financial penalties.

During a Commons debate on Thursday, Conwy Labour MP Betty Williams offered to show Leader of the House Harriet Harman where people were smoking - to be met with cries of "division toilets" from other MPs.