An Overview of the New Smoking Laws

On the 1st July 2007, England will follow the example of Scotland and the Republic of Ireland and bring in legislation on smoking in enclosed public places. The Welsh Assembly introduced similar legislation on 2nd April 2007, and Northern Ireland followed suit on 30th April 2007. With very few exceptions, all workplaces must be smoke free or employers will face prosecution.

The implementation of the Smoke-Free Premises, Places and Vehicles sections of the Health Act 2006 will take effect from 6.00 am. on 1st July 2007, from which time nearly all enclosed public places and an estimated 3.7 million business workplaces (offices, factories, shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, membership clubs, public transport and work vehicles that are used by more than one person) in England will become smoke-free environments. Indoor smoking rooms will no longer be allowed. Work premises and vehicles will be required to display 'No Smoking' signs.

Failure to comply with the law will be a criminal offence. Individuals may be fined for smoking in smoke-free premises. The manager in charge could be fined for allowing others to smoke on the premises, and also for failing to display adequate no-smoking signs.

Click on the links below to get your no smoking legislation compliant essentials: