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Smoking ban in the UK
The UK ban on smoking in the all public ‘enclosed’ spaces came into effect at 6am Sunday 1st July 2007.
Where does the ban apply? The ban applies to virtually all 'enclosed' and 'substantially enclosed' places or vehicles that are open to the public including pubs, restaurants, shops, nightclubs, private members' clubs, offices and factories. This includes both permanent structures and temporary ones such as tents and marquees. Indoor smoking rooms in public places and workplaces will also no longer be allowed.
Displaying Signs – what the Law requires Legislation currently states that all organisations affected by the ban must display specific signs at each and every entrance, in a prominent position visible to employees, visitors and the public.
Required Signage for smoke free premises: Signs must be a minimum of A5 in area, and display the international no-smoking symbol, which consists solely of a graphic representation of a single burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle of at least 70mm in diameter with a red bar across it. The signs must also carry the words: 'No smoking. It is against the law to smoke in these premises'. It is permissible however to personalise the signs by changing the words 'these premises' to refer to the name or type of premises e.g. 'this gym', 'this hotel' or 'this restaurant'.
Alternatively, a smaller sign consisting of the no-smoking symbol of at least 70mm in diameter may be displayed at entrances to smoke free premises that are: only used by members of staff, providing the premises displays at least one A5 area sized sign, or: are located within larger smoke free premises, such as a shop within an indoor shopping centre.
Required Signage for smoke free vehicles:
All public transport including taxis, trains and buses plus company vehicles that may carry more than one person must display a no-smoking sign in each compartment of the vehicle of at least 70mm in diameter.
Penalties
Not complying with the Law can incur fines. Individuals can face an on-the spot fine of £50, and employers / managers of premises can face a fine of £200.
Other Areas:
Wales – In force
Northern Ireland – In force
Scotland – In force |
