What do I need to do to prepare?
All smoke free premises and vehicles must display no-smoking signs that comply with the new law.
You can download and print free copies of all these signs from the Smoke Free England website at www.smokefreeengland.co.uk
No smoking signs must be displayed in prominent positions at every public entrance to the smoke free premises and must:
- be a minimum of A5 size (210mm x 148mm)
- display the international no-smoking symbol at least 70mm in diameter
- carry the following words:
‘No smoking. It is against the law to smoke in these premises’
The wording of the sign may be tailored to your business, for example; ‘No smoking. It is against the law to smoke in the Dog and Duck’. However, no other variations on wording is permitted.
A5 smoke free premises sign:
Symbol only sign:
A smaller sign consisting of the international no-smoking symbol at least 70mm in diameter can be displayed at entrances to smoke free premises that are:
- only used by members of staff, as long as there is at least one A5 sign displayed, or
- situated inside a larger smoke free premises, for example; a shop within an indoor shopping centre
Smoke free vehicles must display a no-smoking sign in each compartment of the vehicle in which people can be carried. The sign must show the international no-smoking symbol at least 70mm in diameter (see above picture).
All no-smoking signs, whether displayed in premises or vehicles must be displayed in such a way that they are protected from damage, tampering, removal or concealment.
Where can I get the signs?
You can obtain free copies of all these signs from the Smoke Free England website at www.smokefreeengland.co.uk.
You should also:
- remove all ash trays from your premises
- make your customers and staff aware that your premises will be smoke free.
- remove any existing smoking rooms in your premises
You are also advised to draw up a smokefree policy for your premises. This can be a verbal agreement between you and your staff or you may wish to have a written policy. Your policy will help ensure that your staff are aware of the new smoke free law and what they need to do to comply. It will also be important evidence in your defense should you need to show that you have taken all reasonable measures to stop someone from smoking on your premises.
A sample of a smoke free policy for you to use can be downloaded at www.smokefreeengland.co.uk.
Contact us
Public Protection Services
Environmental Health Division
Challenge Building
Hatherton Road
Walsall
WS1 1DJ
Telephone 01922 652210