Smoke Free Workplaces

It has been announced that the smoke-free provisions of the Health Act 2006 (pdf) (Opens new window) will come into force on 1 July 2007. From this date virtually all workplaces and substantially enclosed public areas in England will become smoke-free by law.

This will include offices, factories, shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, membership clubs, public transport and work vehicles that are used by more than one person. The law will also mean that indoor workplace smoking rooms will disappear. Anyone wanting to smoke will have to go outside instead.

From 1 July 2007, all smoke-free premises and vehicles will be required to display no smoking signs. Guidance on signage and specifications for where signs will need to be displayed will be made available once the regulations have been finalised. The Department of Health will make free no-smoking signs widely available in the lead up to the new law coming into place.

Those who do not comply with the law will be liable to a fine or prosecution of: smoking in a smoke-free place; failing to display a no smoking sign; allowing smoking in a smoke-free place or vehicle. The levels of these fines will be set out in regulations.



Useful Links:

Smoke Free - England  (Opens new window to smokfree website)
Business and employers (Opens new window to smokfree website)
Health and Community (Opens new window to smokfree website)
Individuals (Opens new window to smokfree website)

Further information
Licensing - Alcohol and Entertainment
New premises requiring a license or existing premises wishing to vary their current license for alcohol, entertainments or late night refreshments should contact our Licensing team on 01895 837200.

Smoke Free England
From 1st of July 2007 virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England will become smoke free. A smoke free England will ensure a healthier environment, so everyone can socialise, relax, travel, shop and work free from secondhand smoke.