Smokefree
The new smoke-free legislation has been introduced to protect
employees and the public from second hand smoke. It is the
Governments objective to reduce the risks to health, recognise a
persons rights to enjoy smoke-free air, increase the benefits of
smoke-free enclosed spaces and workplaces to those who are trying
to give up smoking and save thousands of lives over the next decade
by reducing exposure to hazardous second hand smoke.
All enclosed public spaces and work places in England will be
subject to Smoke Free Legislation. Virtually all workplaces
used by more than one person are now subject to Smoke
Free Legislation. Indoor smoking rooms in public places and
workplaces will no longer be allowed. This includes every
pub, club, cafe, restaurant, shop, work and public transport.
Anyone wanting to smoke has to go outside.
The law applies to anything that can be
smoked. This includes cigarettes, pipes (including water
pipes such as shisha and hookah pipes), cigars and herbal
cigarettes.
The smokefree law applies to virtually
all ‘enclosed’ and ‘substantially enclosed’ public places and
workplaces. This includes both permanent structures and
temporary ones such as tents and marquees. This also means
that indoor smoking rooms in public places and workplaces are
no longer allowed.
Any non compliance with the new regulations will be a criminal
offence and could attract a fine.
