Smoking in enclosed public places
On 1 July 2007 smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces became a thing of the past and against the law. Public places and workplaces includes all offices, warehouses, workshops, pubs, clubs, theatres, shops, restaurants, taxis, minicabs, hotels and hostels. The new law also bans indoor smoking rooms at work. It will ensure a healthier environment where everyone can socialise, relax, travel, shop and work free from secondhand smoke.
If you have a complaint about people smoking in an enclosed public place or workplace you should call the Smokefree England helpline on 0800 587 1667.
I own/run a business in Lambeth. What does the new legislation mean for me?
All businesses and organisations should take steps to make sure that employees, customers, members and visitors obey the new law. Authorised council officers will enforce the law and offer business support.
You will need to display no-smoking signs at all the entrances to your premises as well as making sure that nobody smokes inside.
There are some downloads that may be helpful to you:
If you would like someone to visit your premises and go through the smokefree laws and what you will need to do to comply, or if you want to order some free no-smoking signs, either email the council's Smokefree Team at smokefree@lambeth.gov.uk or call us on 020 7926 6109.
You may also wish to visit the Department of Health website at www.smokefreeengland.co.uk where there are updates on all legislation and more background to the news laws.
I don’t smoke so what does the new legislation mean for me?
It means that when you go to work, shop or out for a drink or meal, people will not be smoking. You won't have to breathe somebody else's secondhand smoke and this will help create a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.
The evidence against second hand smoke is clear. It causes lung cancer, heart disease and other illnesses and triggers asthma attacks. It is estimated that smokefree places will save thousands of lives over the next decade.
Lambeth Council and Lambeth Primary Care Trust will be working hard to make sure that the new laws are complied with and that businesses have all the help they need to come smokefree from 1 July.
I am a smoker so what does the new legislation mean for me?
You can smoke in your own home and outdoors but you cannot smoke indoors in most places where there are other people. This means that it is against the law to smoke at work or inside shops, restaurants, pubs or clubs or on any transport systems including taxis and minicabs. Smoking rooms at work will are longer be allowed and you will have to smoke outside your building.
There are some exemptions to the new laws for hotels and you can request to stay in a designated smoking room if you wish, but you cannot smoke anywhere else in the building.
Maybe now is the time for me to give up smoking. Who do I talk to?
Now might be the time you decide to stop. Your local doctor’s surgery can help you, as can your local pharmacist – just ask.
There is a national helpline. You can call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0169. They have specialist advisers you can speak to and they can also put you in touch with local services to help you quit. Lines are open daily from 7am to 11pm.
You are four times as likely to be able to quit smoking with support than going it alone, so if you are thinking of quitting, give the helpline a call.
You can also visit the go smokefree website which has an online resource for information to stop smoking and stay stopped.
What are the penalties for smoking in a smokefree place?
For smoking in a smokefree place or vehicle you could receive a fixed penalty notice of £50.
For failing to display a no smoking sign a business could receive a fixed penalty notice of £200 and be prosecuted.
For allowing smoking in a smokefree place or vehicle a business could be fined up to £2500.