Smoke-Free Regulations 
From 1 July 2007 it will be illegal to smoke in virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England, and local businesses will be expected to comply with the new law.
The Government has introduced this new law which overnight will make this a Smokefree district, with the aim that there will be a healthier environment where everyone can socialise, relax, travel, shop and work free from any second-hand smoke.
Employers, managers and those in charge of Smokefree premises and vehicles will need to:
- display no smoking signs in Smokefree premises (the necessary signs will be available free from the Government);
- take reasonable steps to ensure that staff, customers and visitors are aware that premises and vehicles are legally required to be Smokefree;
- ensure that no one smokes in Smokefree premises or vehicles.
Only a few specific types of premises will be exempt from the ban but this does not include pubs, private members’ clubs, restaurants or offices. A system of fines will be enforced for people breaking the new law and officers from Suffolk Coastal’s Food and Safety team will enforce the ban.
Vehicles used for public transport such as buses and taxis will also be covered. In addition, a vehicle used for work by more than one person, regardless of whether they are in the vehicle at the same time, will be required to be smoke-free at all times. This protects employees using the same vehicle from the hazards of second hand smoke.
Are you ready?
For a quick guide to smoke free law that take effect on the 1st July 2007 please follow the link below:
For further guidance on the regulations or to order no smoking signs, call the Smokefree England information line on 0800 169 1697 or visit the Smoke Free England website via the link below:
Information and services to help individuals to stop smoking are available from the Suffolk Stop Smoking and Go Smoke Free website via the links below:
Guides to the Smokefree legislation
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