Smoke free compliance

Smokefree - The law

The new law, requiring all workplaces, public premises, public transport and work vehicles in England to be smokefree has now taken effect.

Guidance from government has been published:

• Smokefree England: smokefreeengland.co.uk
• Smokefree Bristol: smokefreebristol.org

The law affects all pubs, clubs, cafés, restaurants, shops, offices, warehouses, factories – in fact, anywhere that is an enclosed, or substantially enclosed, workplace

What that means is that employers, their staff, customers and visitors are not allowed to smoke within an organisation’s premises if it is wholly or substantially enclosed. Smoking rooms are no longer allowed.

Employers must take steps to ensure that employees, customers, members and visitors obey the new law.

Who enforces the law?
The government requires the council to carry out any necessary enforcement. See the council enforcement policy for more information.

And if I don’t comply?
Failure to comply can lead fixed penalty notices, fines or prosecution - with the possibility of a criminal record.

Why has the new law being introduced?
The new law has been introduced to protect employees and members of the public from exposure to secondhand smoke.

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Smokefree - Advice to employers

Detailed guidance from government is available on the Smokefree England web site where you can get free signage and updates from the Department of Health. Translations are also available.

For more information, refer to our advice for employers or training presentation - smokefree legislation and associated issues or refer to our leaflet Smokefree business leaflet (covering advice to businesses on complying with the new legislation and associated issues)

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Smokefree - Where can I smoke?

The law prohibits smoking in any public place that is "enclosed or substantially enclosed". It also applies to vehicles used for business purposes. Private dwellings used for working from home may also fall under the law.

For more details on where you can and can't smoke and also some details on exemptions from the law, refer to the Smoke free England website or contact us.

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Smokefree - your questions and our newsletter

We have tried to anticipate the questions you may need answering. Refer to our frequently asked questions sheet or read our newsletter

However, if you still have any questions or queries not covered by answers given there please contact us. Details can be found at the bottom of this page.

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Smokefree - contact us

For further advice on how to comply with the smokefree legislation, please contact the Public Health Services Team on 0117 922 2500 or email health.safety@bristol.gov.uk

The government has set up a Smokefree England information line on 0800 169 1697 and businesses are also recommended to use the Smokefree England website to register for regular updates.

 

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Smokefree - other useful contacts

• Planning guidance for smoking shelters
• Variation of premises licenses
• Noise Pollution information

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