Explanatory Notes

Health Act 2006

2006 CHAPTER 28

19 July 2006

Commentary on Sections

Part 1 - Smoking

Chapter 1 -  Smoke-Free Premises, Places and Vehicles
Section  10: Enforcement

62.The appropriate national authority may make regulations to designate the bodies which are to be enforcement authorities for the purposes of smoke-free legislation. Subsection (3) places a duty on bodies specified as enforcement authorities to enforce the smoke-free requirements of the Act in those premises, places or vehicles where the enforcement authority has functions (which will also be specified in regulations).

63.Provision may also be made for the transfer of enforcement cases between designated enforcement authorities. Subsection (4) provides that the appropriate national authority may exercise enforcement functions itself in particular cases or types of case.

64.Subsection (5) provides that within Chapter 1 of Part 1 of the Act, “authorised officer” in relation to an enforcement authority means any person whom the enforcement authority authorises in writing to enforce smoke-free legislation. Such written authorisation can be either general or specific. Regulations may be made under subsection (6) to specify any qualifications required to be held by an authorised officer of an enforcement authority.

65.Schedule 2 makes provision about powers of entry, etc.