The Smoking Ban – June 2007

Following a long period of debate the new law is being introduced to protect employees and the public from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

From the 1^st July it will be against the law to smoke in virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces. These places have been defined as follows:

· All ‘enclosed’ public spaces;

· On public transport (no change there);

· In work vehicles used by more than one person;

· Staff smoking rooms and any other indoor smoking areas

The managers of these areas and vehicles will be legally obliged to ensure that the new laws and enforced and people are prevented from smoking in these places.

The definition of an ‘enclosed’ space has been specified so that there is no confusion. A premises will be considered ‘enclosed’ if they have a ceiling or roof and (except for doors, windows or passageways) are wholly enclosed either on a permanent or temporary basis.

In effect that means nearly all pubs, club and restaurants will become completely smoke free places; which mean all those smokers will be out on the street, which will raise an interesting debate when those smokers start making noise in the street late at night which will threaten a premises’ license!

Of course, if you don’t follow the rules penalties and fines are going to be introduced:

· A £50 fixed penalty notice (reduced to £30 if paid within 15 days) for smoking in an outlawed location, this can extend to a maximum of a £200 fine if your are convicted in court;

· For managers failing to display no-smoking signs will receive a fixed penalty notice of £200, with a maximum of £1000 if you are prosecuted in court. If you occupy an outlawed vehicle and smoke in it you can face these fines too!

· Failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place will carry a maximum fine of £2500 imposed on whoever manages or controls the premises or vehicle if prosecuted and convicted by a court.

The new laws are going to be enforced by the local councils and a telephone line (0800 587 166 7) will also be in operation from 1 July 2007 to enable members of the public to report possible breaches of the law. This information will be passed to local councils to follow-up as appropriate.

The good news is however that the government predicts that over half a million people will give up smoking and no longer will you get home from a night out stinking of an ash tray!

More information can be found at the Smoke Free England website

This article can be downloaded here: The Smoking Ban – an article from the Impulse Events Blog