Smokefree England

Since1^st July 2007, most enclosed workplaces and public places in England have been smoke free. There is an obvious impact on pubs, clubs and restaurants -  but have you thought about your own business?

Under thenew law (contained in the Health Act 2006 and various sets of Regulations) smoking is banned:

• In any premises that are open to the public
• In any premises that are used as a place of work by more than person, and
• In any vehicle used by members of the public or for work by more than one person.

There will be some exemptions, but the majority of public and working areas, canteens, smoking rooms, rest rooms etc. are included.  Employers may consider introducing a smoking policy, or amending an existing one.  They may also think about building “smoking shelters” – but it is important to get advice first.  Outdoor shelters can’t be enclosed; they have to meet the Regulations, and may need permission under planning law, or licensing law (if applicable).

People who manage smoke-free premises or vehicles have to

• put ‘no smoking’ signs at public entrances to buildings, and in vehicles.  Details of the signs will be in Regulations, due soon - signs are available free of charge to businesses via the dedicated website www.smokefreeengland.co.uk.
• stop people smoking: although it is an offence to smoke in a smoke-free place, it is also the duty of people concerned with the management of smoke-free premises to stop smoking.

Help and advice

• You can call the Commercial Services team at Wychavon on 01386 565015 or email your question to us on environmental.health@wychavon.gov.uk.
• A factsheet specifically for licensees and clubs can be downloaded from  www.wychavon.gov.uk/lic - or ask the licensing team to send a copy by calling 01386 565016, or emailing licensing@wychavon.gov.uk    .Advice on Planning matters is available from our Development Control team on 01386 565565.
• Help in developing a smoking policy is available from Smoke Free Worcestershire (an alliance of local organisations involved in reducing the harm from tobacco products) on 01905 733258 or on the official websitewww.smokefreeengland.co.uk.
• Local free advice and support for those who wish to quit smoking is available from Worcestershire Smoking Advice Service on 01905 760222.

What you can expect from us

Click here to see how quickly we aim to deal with your enquiries

For more information contact:

Commercial Services Section,
Environmental Services,
Wychavon District Council,
Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive,
Pershore, Worcs. WR10 1PT

Telephone: 01386 565015 - between 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday
Fax: 01386 561826
Email: environmental.health@wychavon.gov.uk