BOSSES are to be drilled in how to meet national smoke-free legislation which comes into effect on July 1.

Free drop-in sessions for business owners and managers will be held across Middlesbrough to prepare them for the law, which will outlaw smoking in shopping centres, pubs, bars, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants.

Smoking on public transport and work vehicles will also be against the law.

Officers from Middlesbrough Council's community protection service will answer questions from business owners and managers about the new law at three sessions, two on tomorrow and one on Thursday.

Model smoke-free policies will be available for businesses to take away and use.

Philip Slack, principal environmental health officer with the council, said: "We're providing information to businesses to help them ensure that the smoke-free law is observed by employees, customers and visitors to their premises.

"Enforcement of the legislation is also a very important topic and our officers are able to give out information on that as well."

The first ten businesses to attend each of the sessions will receive a free cigarette butt bin.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, the executive member for environment, said: "I strongly recommend businesses to take up the offer of this free advice and support on the new smoke free laws.

"We want to help all businesses comply when it comes into force on July 1."

For more details, contact the community protection team on 01642-728666.