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Smokefree Legislation
On 1 July 2007, virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England became smokefree by law.
The change, which was introduced via the Health Act 2006, is intended to protect people from the effects of second hand smoke.
What the new law means
Smoking is prohibited in ‘enclosed’ and ‘substantially enclosed’ parts of virtually all public places and workplaces. This includes shops, offices, factories, restaurants, pubs, bars and membership clubs.
Smoking is also prohibited in vehicles used for public transport and work vehicles used by more than one person.
Exemptions are limited and relate primarily to private dwellings,designated bedrooms in hotels and specified areas of other residential accommodation, such as prisons and care homes.
Smoking is permitted in shelters and outdoor areas that are not enclosed or substantially enclosed.
what businesses and employers need to do
Employers, managers and those in charge of smokefree premises and vehicles are required to:
- display the prescribed ‘no smoking’ signs.
- take reasonable steps to ensure that no-one smokes in smokefree premises.
Outdoor areas and smoking shelters – things to consider
- ensure that shelters or outdoor areas are not ‘enclosed’ or ‘substantially enclosed’- check with us if you are uncertain.
- check whether planning consent is required for your shelter and that the use of the outdoor area is covered by the existing planning permission. Contact the Planning Team for advice.
- if your premises are licensed under the Licensing Act 2003, check whether there are conditions affecting use of outdoor areas. For example, there may be restrictions on times when beer gardens can be used or conditions relating to last entry or re-entry to the premises.
- consider the potential noise impact caused by people congregating outside to smoke, particularly if the premises are open late at night or early morning.Download our guidance on managing noise from smoking areas [PDF 33KB] or contact the Pollution Control Team on (01273) 294490 for advice.
- take steps to minimise litter problems caused by cigarette ends. Cityclean, the council's in-house street cleansing service, have issued advice on controlling smoking related litter, which includes information on businesses' legal responsibilities and practical solutions.
How the law will be enforced
Within Brighton & Hove, the city council's Health & Safety and Licensing Team are resposible for enforcing the legislation, which contains the following offences:
- smoking in a smokefree place
- failure to display correct no-smoking signs
- failure by a Manager of a smokefree place to prevent a person there from smoking.
Where to get further information
Visit the Smokefree England website for information, guidance, links to the regulations, frequently asked questions and free signs.
or contact the Health, Safety & Licensing Team:
Phone: (01273) 294429
Typetalk: 18001 (01273) 290000
Email ehl.safety@brighton-hove.gov.uk
or visit the Citydirect access point at Bartholomew Square, Brighton, BN1 1JP
Where to get help to stop smoking
The local NHS Stop Smoking Service currently offers free stop smoking courses for businesses and their employees. Courses run for one hour a week for six weeks, at a time and venue to suit you.
For further information call (01273) 267397 or email stopsmoking@southdown.nhs.uk