Smoke free laws:
Smoking isn't allowed in any enclosed workplace, public building or on public transport.
A small number of exemptions apply. These include certain private dwellings, designated bedrooms in hotels or guest houses, designated rooms in care homes, hospices and prisons, offshore installations, designated rooms in certain research and testing facilities, specialist tobacconists and performers.
Businesses must
- Display at least one legible 'no smoking' sign in all workplaces and vehicles
- Take reasonable steps to ensure that staff, customers, members and visitors are aware that premises and vehicles are legally required to be smoke free
- Ensure that no one smokes in smoke free premises or vehicles
Smoking rooms are not allowed and there is no requirement to provide smoking shelters. If a shelter is provided it must not be 'wholly' or 'substantially' enclosed (a structure is considered as substantially enclosed if it has a roof/ceiling and is more than 50% walled). You may need planning permission or listed building consent before erecting a smoking shelter so please contact the planning department for advice.
Offences:
There are three offence under smoke free laws
- Smoking in a smoke free premises or vehicle (£50 fixed penalty notice reduced to £30 if paid within fifteen days of issue. If prosecuted the maximum fine limit is £200)
- Failing to display a no smoking sign (maximum fine of £1000 if convicted, or a fixed plenty notice of £200, reduced to £150 if paid within fifteen days of issue)
- Allowing smoking in a smoke free place or vehicle (fine on conviction up to £2500 to the person who manages/controls the area which does not comply with the smoke free legislation).
Smoking in Vehicles:
It is now illegal to smoke in a car if any of the occupants are under the age of 18.
Further Information:
Smoking at work
Smoking in vehicles
Smoke free Action
Smoke free NHS - advice on quitting smoking