From 6am on Sunday 1st July 2007 England is smokefree. The legislation is to protect employees and the public from the effects of secondhand smoke (SHS).
It is believed that the new legislation will save thousands of lives over the next decade, prevent serious diseases and help create a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone to work in or visit.
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What it means for you |
Smoking is not allowed in virtually all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces. This includes shops, offices, public transport (including taxis), pubs, restaurants, factories and vehicles used by more than one person as a place of work.
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What it means for businesses |
- Businesses must ensure that their premises remain smokefree and ensure that all staff and customers comply with the law.
- Signs need to be displayed in a prominent position at all public entrances to buildings and also in public or works vehicles. Signs can be downloaded free of charge from www.smokefreeengland.co.uk or by calling the smokefree information line on 0800 169 169 7.
Fixed penalty notices can be issued to individuals smoking in smokefree premises and also to businesses for not displaying appropriate signs. Businesses can also be prosecuted for allowing smoking in smokefree premises.
Further information on fixed penalty charges and enforcement can be found on www.smokefreeengland.co.uk
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Signs |
Buildings
Minimum A5 size (210mm x 148mm)
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Vehicles
International No smoking sign
Minimum 70mm in diameter
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Smoking shelters |
The legislation does not cover open outside areas. Although there is no legal requirement for businesses and employers to provide designated outdoor smoking areas, some businesses may wish to consider these.
Some employers may also consider erecting smoking shelters. These must not be enclosed or substantially enclosed e.g. a structure with a ceiling or roof (moveable or fixed) must have 50% or more of the walls completely open (this excludes windows and doors).
You must to seek guidance from the planning department and any such structure is likely to require planning permission. Please contact the Planning Department on 01484 416670 or read the planning advice note on smoking shelters and related features (PDF: 149Kb).
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Listed buildings |
For advice and guidance on where to display appropriate signage on listed buildings please contact the Conservation team on 01484 226466.
The Planning Department needs to be consulted about the siting and use of external cigarette bins on or near listed buildings.
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Cigarette litter |
All cigarette litter needs to be disposed of appropriately. The council can issue fixed penalty notices on people who drop litter.
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Kirklees Stop Smoking Service |
If you want to quit smoking the NHS Stop Smoking Service coordinates free Stop Smoking Groups and one to one advice throughout Kirklees. Please contact:
- 01484 344285 for the Huddersfield office
- 01924 512079 for the Dewsbury office
or visit www.kirklees-pct.nhs.uk
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Better Health at Work |
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If you have a business in Kirklees and would like advice and support on how to become smokefree please contact the Better Health at Work Team on 01484 416777 or email betterhealth.enquiries@kirklees.gov.uk
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