Bingo - Here comes the Smoking Ban

“From 1st of July 2007 virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England will become smokefree. A smokefree England will ensure a healthier environment, so everyone can socialise, relax, travel, shop and work free from secondhand smoke”

So then, with two days to go until the smoking ban comes into place within the whole of England, are we ready? Do we know what to do? and what effects will it have?

The Governments website which is here, illustrates all the changes which will need to administered by employers. For ease of access, I have listed the points below.

Employers, managers and those in charge of smokefree premises and vehicles will need to:

Display ‘no-smoking’ signs in smokefree premises and vehicles
Take reasonable steps to ensure that staff, customers/members and visitors are aware that premises and vehicles are legally required to be smokefree
Remove any existing indoor smoking rooms
Ensure that no one smokes in smokefree premises or vehicles

You may also want to take these supportive measures:

Remove ashtrays from smokefree areas
Develop a smokefree policy in consultation with staff
Offer staff training to help them understand the new law and what their responsibilities are

Which places must be smokefree?

Smokefree premises

The new smokefree law will apply to virtually all ‘enclosed’ and ’substantially enclosed’ public places and workplaces. This includes both permanent structures and temporary ones such as tents and marquees. This also means that indoor smoking rooms in public places and workplaces will no longer be allowed.

Premises will be considered ‘enclosed’ if they have a ceiling or roof and (except for doors, windows or passageways) are wholly enclosed either on a permanent or temporary basis.

Premises will be considered ’substantially enclosed’ if they have a ceiling or roof, but have an opening in the walls, which is less than half the total area of the walls. The area of the opening does not include doors, windows or any other fittings that can be opened or shut.

If you require further guidance on whether your premises are ‘enclosed’ or ’substantially enclosed’ please contact your local council.

Now on the whole, I feel that the smoking ban is a positive thing and most smokers I know are welcoming the change however there seems to be one part of industry that is suffering which has been highlighted here by the BBC money program

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