On July 1st 2007, England introduced a new law to make virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in england smoke-free
Smoke-free Law
The new smoke-free law applies 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 are no longer allowed.
The new smoke free law has been introduced to protect employees
and the public from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
It is against the law to smoke in virtually all enclosed public
places, workplaces and in public and work vehicles. Indoor smoking
rooms in public places and workplaces are no longer allowed.
Managers of smoke free premises and vehicles have legal
responsibilities to prevent smoking and to ensure that no-smoking
signs are displayed as required by the new law.
The law applies to anything that can be smoked. This includes
cigarettes, pipes, cigars and herbal cigarettes.
Failure to comply with the new law will be a criminal
offence.
Local councils are responsible for enforcing the new law. They
will offer information, advice and support to businesses to help
them to meet their legal obligations.
You can find out more information on the new law on the
Smokefree England website at www.smokefreeengland.co.uk
or call the Smokefree England information line on 0800 169
1697.
Smoking Related Litter
In September 2007, Several UK Councils worked with ENCAMS (Keep
Britain Tidy), on a campaign to raise awareness of the problems of
cigarette litter and to remind smokers to disposeof their cigarette
butts responsibly.
The 'No Butts' campaign makes the message clear -
littering is not acceptable. Reminding smokers that they
should dispose of their cigarette ends responsibly - if they don't,
they could be hit with a £75 fine.
Smoking related rubbish is now the UK's biggest litter problem.
The recent ban on smoking in public places ensures a healthier
environment for everyone but as public buildings become no smoking
zones, our streets could become littered with cigarette butts.
If you are caught dropping litter in a public place, you
will be fined up to £75.
If this fine is not paid, you could be taken to court and be
finedup £2500
Businesses also need to take responsibility for the potential of
extra litter caused by staff and visitors smoking outside of, or in
the vicinity of, their premises. Businesses may wish to consider
installing stubbing-out bins for cigarette ends.
In research carried out by ENCAMS - " Keep Britain Tidy "
(1996), 96% of smokers aged 21-25 admitted that they threw their
cigarette ends on the ground, and 46% of all smokers claimed they
had never used a bin for their cigarette ends. The main reason
quoted was the perceived fire hazard.