Find out what businesses and employers need to do to comply with the new smokefree legislation from 1 July 2007.
Are You Ready to Go Smokefree?
Employers, managers and those in charge of smokefree premises and vehicles need to:
display 'no smoking' signs in smokefree premises - see our Resources and Guidance section
take reasonable steps to ensure that staff, customers, members and visitors are aware that premises and vehicles are legally required to be smokefree
ensure that no one smokes in smokefree premises or vehicles
The Smokefree England website has advice for business and employers, frequently asked questions and the latest updates on the law.
Smoking Rooms are Not Allowed
Under the new law, indoor smoking rooms are no longer allowed, so anyone wishing to smoke will have to go outside instead.
Recent research showed that nearly one in four employers thinks they are already compliant with the smoking ban when they are not. Confusion centres on the provision of a smoking room within the workplace.
In the study by Croner, 24 per cent of businesses wrongly thought a smoking room was allowed.
Supporting Your Staff and Customers
You may also wish to take these supportive measures when implementing the smokefree legislation:
remove ashtrays from smokefree areas
develop a smokefree policy in consultation with staff
provide your staff and customers with support to quit smoking. The local NHS Stop Smoking Service can give staff free support - go to Helping Staff to Stop Smoking
ensure that your staff and customers know where they can smoke if they choose to
You can download Planning guidance below if you wish to consider providing outdoor smoking areas.
Go to resources and guidance from the Smokefree England website for:
- a checklist for businesses of what you need to do
- advice on how to develop a smokefree policy, with sample policies
- frequently asked questions and case studies
- Premises and Enforcement Regulations and Smokefree Signs Regulations to download
