Thousands of council staff are being trained to police the smoking ban in bars, restaurants and shops in England.
The government has made about £29.5m available to pay for staff training. They will be able to give on-the-spot fines of £50 to individuals and take court action against premises.
The smoking ban is due to come into force on 1 July. It covers virtually all enclosed public places including offices, factories, pubs and bars.
Businesses are liable for £200 fines if proper signs are not displayed and fines of £2,500 if they refuse to enforce the ban.
Local authorities have been given the power to enforce the ban so it does not consume police time.
A government-funded course is expected to train 1,200 council officers in the next few months with more expected to follow later.
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But Simon Clark, director of smokers’ lobby group Forest, criticised the plans.
“The idea of getting public officials to snoop on people is distasteful and disproportionate,” he said.
