The Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005
and the Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Premises
(Scotland) Regulations 2006
From 6am on Sunday 26 March 2006 the law on smoking in Scotland will change and no one will be allowed to smoke in any area of the clubhouse or any club building or enclosed space including a tractor cab. This law will apply to all wholly or substantially enclosed public places in Scotland such as shops, hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants and clubs.
The Scottish Parliament has passed this new legislation to protect people from the harmful effects of passive smoking. This means that anyone found to be smoking in any area of the clubhouse or buildings or tractor cabs will be breaking the law and will be liable to a fixed penalty fine and possible criminal prosecution.
There is no legal obligation for Ralston Golf Club to provide designated smoking areas. At the AGM earlier this month the club membership decided not to provide shelters outside the clubhouse for smokers. Smoking will not be permitted at the entrance to the clubhouse.
I would ask that you comply and ensure that your guests comply with the law. Ralston Golf Club will as required by law enforce the ban and ask you or your guest to refrain from smoking. If a request is ignored then service from the club will be withdrawn. Subsequent refusal to comply will result in a request to leave the club premises. A record of such incidents will be made and the appropriate authorities including the Police will be informed.
Please co-operate and support staff in ensuring that we comply with the law. In doing so you will protect the interests of the Club and avoid a fine and possible prosecution.
The Council of the Club will do what is necessary to protect the interests of the club and to avoid fine and prosecution. Members will continue to be held responsible for their own conduct and those of their guests. Any breaches of the law on smoking on club premises will be dealt with in accordance with the Rules of the Club or in the case of staff the Disciplinary Procedures.
On behalf of the Council I would trust that we will have your cooperation. Should you wish further clarification on the law or advice on how to stop smoking you may wish to visit the Scottish Executive Health Department website www.clearingtheairscotland.com
Ralston Golf Club Council.