Smokefree legislation: What do businesses need to do?
Is is the responsibility of a business to ensure that smoking doesn't happen in any enclosed, or substantially enclosed part of a premises, if it does a fine of up to £2,500 could be issued.
No-smoking signs
There is also a requirement to display a no-smoking sign at each entrance to a premises. Vehicles used for work purposes will also be covered by smokefree legislation, these will also need to have no-smoking signs.
The no-smoking signs are subject to strict criteria. They must:
- Be the equivalent of A5 in area
- Display the international no-smoking symbol in colour, a minimum of 70mm in diameter
- Carry the words, "No smoking. It is against the law to smoke in these premises", in characters that can be easily read.
A no-smoking sign that simply displays the no-smoking symbol in colour, a minimum of 70mm in diameter, is also required at entrances to smokefree premises which:
Are for staff only (as long as the premises displays at least one A5 sized sign with words, as set out above) - Are located within other smokefree premises (for example, a shop within an indoor shopping centre)
Smoking shelters
Although there is no legal requirement to make provision for smokers, one option is to provide a smoking shelter.
Resources
- Visit Smokefree England website for more information
- You may need planning permission before erecting the requisitory no-smoking sign or a smoking shelter. Please contact our planning department for advice.
