No smoking signs go up at churches
NEW laws which force churches to display 'no smoking' signs are over-the-top, according to one Wealden priest.
The new anti-smoking laws put religious buildings at risk of on-the-spot fines or a magistrates' court appearance - with a maximum fine of 1,000 - if they fail to put up signs.
The Rev Iain Morrison, priest-in-charge at St Mary and St Peter Church in Wilmington, said: 'We could find they stop putting crosses on hot-cross buns next.
'This legislation is excessive but we have no alternative.
'I've had to put a no-smoking sign on all three of our parish churches
'They are trying to get rid of risks but life is all about risks.'
Mr Morrison has only ever seen one person smoke during a church service, 30 years ago in Chichester.
Deacon John Truman, from St Wilfrid and St George's Roman Catholic Church in Hailsham, was not aware of any smokers in his congregation.
He said: 'I don't think there's a need for these signs in a church but we comply with the law.'
The Rev David Bourne, Vicar of St Mary's Church, Hailsham, wasn't sure how pastoral work amongst any smokers in the town might be affected by the law.
He said: 'We will cross that bridge when we come to it but we will presume the law is not a complete ass.
'It's not been a big issue, we have put up small and unobtrusive signs.'
A spokesman for Wealden District Council said churches had not been a priority for smoking ban inspectors.
He added: 'Churches are an enclosed space and a place of work.
'So they come under the smoke free legislation.
'A sign on the porch notice board at the entrance to the church will suffice.'
Churches wanting advice on the new legislation can visit http://www.smokefreeengland.co.uk.
What do you think of Churches having to display no smoking signs? Email us at sussex.express@sussexnewspapers.co.uk
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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