Smokefree legislation

Smoking in places such as cafes, restaurants, clubs and bars, shopping centres and workplaces is no longer allowed.

It is now against the law to smoke in all 'enclosed' and 'virtually enclosed' public places. See the Smokefree England website for a definition of what is an enclosed space.

All smokefree premises and vehicles must display clear 'No smoking' signs. Staff smoking rooms and indoor smoking areas are no longer permitted, so anyone who wants to smoke has to go outside.

Public transport and work vehicles used by more than one person must be smokefree at all times. Managers of smoke free premises and vehicles have legal responsibilities to make sure that people don't smoke in their areas.

We are responsible for enforcing the smokefree law in England and the penalties and fines for offences are set out below;

• smoking in smokefree premises or work vehicles: a fixed penalty notice of £50 (reduced to £30 if paid in 15 days) imposed on the person smoking. Or a maximum fine of £200 if prosecuted and convicted by a court
• failure to display no-smoking signs: a fixed penalty notice of £200 (reduced to £150 if paid in 15 days) imposed on whoever manages or occupies the smoke free premises or vehicle. Or a maximum fine of £1000 if prosecuted and convicted by a court
• failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place: a maximum fine of £2500 imposed on whoever manages or controls the smokefree premises or vehicle if prosecuted and convicted by a court. There is no fixed penalty notice for this offence.

If you see someone smoking in a smoke free premises or vehicle, you should contact us on 01582 51 03 30.

Advice to businesses and information on how to meet legal requirements around shisha smoking is available to download below.