Smokefree Legislation 2007
Smokefree Legislation was introduced across England on 1 July 2007, meaning that virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces are now smokefree.
What you need to know about the new New Smokefree Legislation: FAQs
Some of your questions will be answered below, but for further information please visit:
Smokefree England.
When was this law introduced?
Smokefree Legislation came into force from 6am on 1st July 2007.
Why is this law being introduced?
This legislation is being introduced to protect employees and the public from the effects of secondhand smoke.
Some of the health problems that can be caused by second hand smoke:
- 25% increased risk of heart disease
- 24% increased risk of lung cancer
- Other lung problems
- Increased risk of stroke
- Asthma
- Eye Irritation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sore Throat
- Cough
- Headaches
- Problems with pregnancy
Find out more about the effects of smoking.
Which places will be covered by the legislation?
Virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces will have to be smokefree from 1 July 2007.
Will employers have to provide external smoking areas?
Employers will not be legally required to provide external designated smoking areas, however, any shelters or structures that are erected must not be enclosed or substantially enclosed and must comply with planning regulations. It is advisable to seek advice from the planning department in all circumstances. Further information can be found in our information leaflet:
Can I have a smoking room or designated area?
No – smoking rooms will not be allowed, except in premises exempt from the legislation.
Which premises are exempt?
Places used as residential accommodation that are also workplaces (such as prison cells, hospices and long stay residential homes) are likely to be exempt. However, this will not mean that smoking will be allowed throughout these premises. Instead, employers will have to designate smoking rooms that meet a set of criteria.
What are the benefits of my premises becoming Smokefree?
Benefits:
- Increased on-the-job productivity - the average smoker takes 6 ten-minute 'smoke breaks' per day – that’s 5 hours of work time per week!
- Improved working relationships and morale
- Reduced sickness and early retirements due to ill health
- Reduced annual health-care costs and health insurance for smokers
- Fulfillment of health and safety regulations and reduced risk of litigation
- Reduced risk of fire damage, explosions and other accidents related to smoking
- Reduced insurance premiums
- Reduced maintenance and cleaning costs
- Greater appeal to non-smoking customers - the majority of the population
- Increased income - remember all those non-smokers with money to spend
- You could also qualify for a National Clean Air Award. Contact your Health Promotion Officer for Tobacco Control for further information about this UK-wide scheme. For further information visit www.cleanairaward.org.uk)
How will the legislation be enforced?
Legislation is to be enforced by Environmental Health Officers, who will be authorised to inspect your premises and issue penalties if necessary.
What are the penalties?
Penalties:
- Failure to display minimum no smoking signs: Up to £1000 or a fixed penalty notice of £200
- Smoking in a non-smoking place: Up to £200 or a fixed penalty notice of £50
- Failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place: Up to £2500
Where can I get help?
Although this legislation will have a massive impact and mean big changes for the majority of workplaces, help is available. North Tyneside Council have appointed a Health Promotion Officer for Tobacco Control who will be available to respond to businesses queries relating to the new law. Help can also be provided when producing and implementing your smokefree policies.
If you need help to quit smoking, please visit www.gosmokefree.co.uk.
For details of local Stop Smoking Services within North Tyneside contact:
Newcastle & North Tyneside NHS Stop Smoking Service:
Helpline: 0191 2195111 (9am-5pm)
Or e-mail: emma.speed@newcastle-pct.nhs.uk
Alternatively go to www.givingupsmoking.co.uk
Health Promotion Officer (Tobacco Control):
Sally Faulkner
Health Promotion Officer (Tobacco Control)
Mob: 07855 505286
Fax: 0191 219 2457
sally.faulkner@northtyneside.gov.uk
Environmental Health
The Killingworth Site
PO Box 113
Station Road
Killingworth
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE12 6WJ
Smoking Facts: Did you know?
- Breathing second-hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease by at least 25%
- Thirty minutes of exposure to second-hand smoke is enough to reduce blood flow to the heart.
- Breathing second-hand smoke kills three times more workers than accidents in the workplace
- A bar worker who doesn’t smoke ends up smoking every time they go to work
- 35 workers in the North East die each year because of exposure to second-hand smoke
Useful links
- www.freshne.com
- www.northtynesidepct.nhs.uk
- www.cleanairaward.org.uk
- www.smokefreeengland.co.uk
- www.quit.org.uk
- www.airinitiative.com
- www.givingupsmoking.co.uk
- www.yourfirststop.org
