Pub smokers are puffing quietly...

OLDHAM has escaped a rise in noise complaints after smokers were forced outside pubs and clubs to light up.

Nationally, some areas have seen complaints about noise soar since the smoking ban came into force on July 1 last year.

Councils have been given new guidance to deal with the rising tide of complaints since the smoking ban was introduced, the Local Government Association said.

Brighton and Hove City Council has seen complaints soar from one a year to 60, with most councils reporting complaints in double figures.

And authorities have received new powers to deal with night–time noise under the recently extended Noise Act 1996.

Licensees can be given an instant penalty of £500 for excessive noise coming from their premises, such as a beer garden or smoking shelter.

They can also be prosecuted and fined up to £20,000 if they fail to comply with a council warning.

However, Oldham’s cabinet member for environment and Infrastructure, Councillor Mark Alcock, said: “In Oldham we have seen only a handful of these complaints and levels have not soared as has been reported elsewhere.

“We put this down to environmental health officers working closely with local businesses, both before and after the ban, to help them take proactive measures to prevent this kind of problem.

“This included advice on where best to locate smoking shelters.”

Anyone experiencing problems in connection with smoking outside public houses, can contact the council on 0161-770 4502.