Smoke Free Chester

Are you ready?

From 1^st July 2007, most enclosed workplaces and public places in England will be smoke free. There is an obvious impact on pubs, clubs and restaurants- but have you thought about your own business?

When the new law (contained in the Health Act 2006 and various sets of Regulations) comes into force, smoking will be banned:

• In any premises that are open to the public,;
• In any premises that are used as a place of work by more than one 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 will be included. Employers may consider introducing a “smoking policy”, or amending an existing one. They may also think about building “smoking shelters” – but it important to get advice first. Outdoor shelters can’t be more than 50% enclosed, and may need permission under planning law or licensing law.

People who manage smoke-free premises or vehicles will have to:

• Put “no-smoking” signs at public entrances to buildings, and in vehicles. Details of the signs will be in the Regulations – the latest information can be found on http://www.smokefreeengland.co.uk/ (external link)
• Stop people smoking: although it will be an offence to smoke in a smoke-free place, it will also be the duty of people concerned with the management of smoke-free premises to stop smoking.

Although the law doesn’t come into effect until 1^st July 2007 at 6am, any workplace or public place can retain smoke-free or become smoke-free at any time before that date. Be best prepared and implement the ban in your business today!

Help and advice

For help with planning matters and other enquiries regarding the smoking ban in Chester call the Health & Safety team on 01244 324324 or e-mail: healthandsafety@chester.gov.uk

Useful links on the new Law and how to quit smoking are available below:

• Smoke Free England - Information on the coming smoking ban - http://www.smokefreeengland.co.uk/ (external link)
• ASH Action on Smoking and Health - The campaigning Public Health Charity - http://www.newash.org.uk/ (external link)
• Smoke-free - Help and information from the NHS to help you stop smoking - http://gosmokefree.nhs.uk/ (external link)
• Quit - An independent charity to help you quit smoking - http://www.quit.org.uk/ (external link)
• Smoke Free Action - Lots of information about the forthcoming smoking ban - http://www.smokefreeaction.org.uk/ (external link)
• Royal College of Physicians - Information on the medical effects of smoking - http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/news/smoking.asp (external link)