A BOLTON-based family business is hoping to capitalise on new legislation, which bans smoking, before it comes into force later this year.

Boss Office, suppliers of office equipment and stationery, has started a sales push to promote the "no smoking" signage that all businesses will have to display, in preparation for the inevitable stock shortage that will arise nearer the time.

Tim Guest, chairman and founder of Boss, which employs 33 people at its headquarters on Folds Road, said: "We have carried out a customer survey and discovered that many small businesses are not fully aware of exactly what the law requires of them in terms of signage. It hasn't been very well communicated."

Under the new rules, which are scheduled to come into force on July 1, smoking will be banned in virtually all enclosed public places in England.

The ban will cover all local businesses such as factories, pubs, clubs and bars, regardless of size and number of employees.

All employers must display prominent "no smoking" signs and there is no exemption allowing employers to have designated smoking rooms.

Employers failing to comply will be subject to fixed penalties or criminal proceedings. Courts will be able to fine employers up to £2,500.

Mr Guest said: "We have also started letting customers know that they can obtain outdoor smoking shelters from us as well, because employers will still have to provide somewhere for their staff who do smoke."