Smoking Ban - FAQ's
1. Introduction
2. Signage
3. Smoking Shelters
4. Cigarette Bins
5. Fines
1) Introduction
When did the smoking ban come into effect?
- Wales 2nd April 2007
- N.Ireland 30th April 2007
- England 1st July 2007
What is the aim of the ban?
- To protect non smokers from the harmful effects of passive smoking.
Where does the ban apply?
- Any enclosed or substantially enclosed workplace where more than one person works.
- Public transport, taxis, company vehicles.
- Any enclosed or substantially enclosed public places.
Are there be any exceptions to the ban?
- Your own home as long as it is not used as a place of work and employs staff.
- Designated smoking rooms in care homes, hospices, long stay mental health units, hotel bedrooms, private vehicles and adult prisons.
2) Signage
What signs do I need to comply with the law?
For all premises the law requires:
- A no smoking sign to be placed in a prominent position at each entrance of the building.
The sign must:
- Be a minimum size of A5 (148mm x 210mm)
- Include the international red "no smoking symbol" at least 75mm in diameter.
- Include the wording: "No Smoking. It is against the law to smoke in these premises".
- For designated smoking rooms, the above applies with the wording "No Smoking. It is against the law to smoke in these premises except in a designated room".
Yes, if the vehicle is used by more than one employee. The no smoking sign must:
- Be at least 75mm in diameter.
- Display the international no smoking symbol.
The only exception to this rule is if the vehicle is a cabriolet and the roof is always down!
3) Smoking Shelters
Do I need to provide a smoking shelter by law?
The law does not require you to provide a shelter for employees who smoke. However, installation of a Shelter demonstrates acknowledgment of employee's needs and will greatly assist in the implementation of designated smoking areas. All Shelters comply with the new smoking regulations that forbid smoking in an enclosed area. Here, 50% of the area must be open to provide continuous flow of air whilst still allowing shelter from severe weather.
4) Cigarette Bins
Do I need to provide a cigarette bin by law?
There is no legal requirement to provide a cigarette bin for employees. However, as an estimated 25% of the UK workforce smoke, can you afford not to? Cigarette bins preserve the image of your company by helping to control cigarette litter and allowing control over areas where employees are permitted to smoke.
5) Fines
Enforcement of No Smoking regulations will mainly be carried out by Environmental Health Officers who will be able to issue the following penalties:
- Smoking in a no smoking place or vehicle: - Up to £200.
- Failure to display no smoking sign: - £200. This can go up to £1000 if the case is taken to court.
- Failing to prevent smoking in a smoke free place: - £2,500.
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