Smokefree England
Are you ready?
From 1st July 2007, all enclosed workplaces and
public places in England went smoke free. This had an obvious
impact on pubs, clubs and restaurants.
When the new law (contained in the Health Act 2006 and various
sets of Regulations) came into force, smoking was
banned:
- In any premises that are open to the public,;
- In any premises that are used as a place of work by more than
person, and
- In any vehicle used by members of the public or for work by
more than one person.
There are some exemptions, but the majority of public and
working areas, canteens, smoking rooms, rest rooms etc. are
included. Employers can introduce a smoking
policy, or amend an existing one. They may also think about
building “smoking shelters” – but it is important to get advice
first. Outdoor shelters can’t be enclosed; they have to meet
the Regulations, and may need permission under planning law, or
licensing law (if applicable).
People who manage smoke-free premises or vehicles will have
to
- put ‘no smoking’ signs at public entrances to buildings, and in
vehicles. Details of the signs will be in the Regulations –
the latest information regarding the signs are available via the
dedicated website http://www.smokefree.co.uk/
- stop people smoking: although it will be an offence to smoke in
a smoke-free place, it will also be the duty of people concerned
with the management of smoke-free premises to stop smoking.
Additional sources of information:
Local free advice and support for those who wish to quit smoking
is available from the Worcestershire Smoking Advice Service on
01905 760222.
Useful Leaflets:
Downloadable posters:
Other useful sites: