Information for businesses
From 1 July 07 England became Smokefree
- The new smokefree law was introduced to protect employees and the public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke
- It is against the law to smoke in virtually all enclosed public places, workplaces and vehicles
- Indoor smoking rooms in public places and workplaces are no longer allowed
- Managers of smokefree premises and vehicles have a legal responsibility to prevent smoking and to ensure that no-smoking signs are displayed as required by the new law
- Herefordshire Council is responsible for enforcement of the legislation in Herefordshire. For further information or advice please contact the Environmental Health Commercial Team on 01432 261761
Failure to comply with the law is a criminal offence.
Smoking in smokefree premises or vehicles:
Failure to display no-smoking signs:
A fixed penalty notice of £200 imposed on whoever manages or occupies the smokefree premises or vehicle. Or a maximum fine of £1000 if prosecuted and convicted by a court. (Fixed penalty reduced to £150 if paid in 15 days)
Failure 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.
How can the Herefordshire Stop Smoking Service help?
Committed to supporting and helping workplaces to comply with the new legislation the Herefordshire Stop Smoking Service's flexible approach has been designed to meet the needs of both employers and employees.
For businesses - free help and advice on developing and implementing smoking policies smoothly, efficiently and effectively is offered.
For workers who want to stop smoking - free practical advice together with information on stop smoking treatments and one to one or group support. is offered. This can be within a company setting over a period of six to seven weeks with additional support afterwards if required.
Health and safety at work act 1974
'To provide and maintain a safe working environment which is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe, without risks to health and adequate as regards facilities and arrangements for their welfare at work.'