From 1 July 2007, virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England became smokefree, including pubs, clubs and restaurants.
Smoking in these places is now a thing of the past – and against the law. Enjoy the smokefree air.
Enjoy Socialising Smokefree
When you go out you can socialise in a smoke free atmosphere free from pollution.
The new smokefree law has been introduced to protect everyone from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
Even if you do not smoke, breathing secondhand smoke from other people around you (passive smoking) can damage your health.
To find out more, see Secondhand Smoke - The Invisible Killer.
Enclosed places where people are not able to smoke will include all pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants and cafes. Wherever no-smoking signs are displayed it is against the law to smoke.
How the Law Will Affect You
Indoor smoking areas are no longer allowed, so anyone who wants to smoke will have to go outside.
Some venues will have outdoor areas where smoking is allowed and some are applying for planning permission to have outdoor smoking shelters. However, many premises will be making their entire site smokefree, not just the enclosed areas.
You can download or order a free leaflet from the Smokefree England website - How the New Smokefree Law Will Affect You.
The law will also protect staff in pubs and bars, who are at most risk from secondhand smoke. Employers, managers and people in charge of premises should go to our Smokefree Guidance for Businesses section.
Stop Smoking - Look and Feel Better
If you smoke, there has never been a better time to quit. The best way to both improve your health and protect others from secondhand smoke is to stop smoking.
The NHS website has a Drinker's Guide to Stopping Smoking.
Go to our Help to Stop Smoking section to find out about the wide range of advice and support that is available - see Related Pages.
