Environmental health

The Smokefree laws require almost all enclosed buildings where people work or members of the public can go to be smokefree. They cover:

• restaurants;
• cafés;
• pubs;
• clubs;
• libraries;
• museums;
• offices;
• warehouses;
• shops;
• leisure centres;

to name just a few. Other than your own home, very few places are exempt and you should check carefully if you think a place you manage may be exempt.

Vehicles used for public transport or those used by more than one person at work also have to be smokefree.

Displaying signs

All vehicles and buildings that have to be smokefree have to display signs, which must be at least A5 (148mm by 210mm) in size at the entrance to buildings and premises and show the international no smoking sign and supporting text. Signs within premises must display the smoking symbol at least 70mm in diameter.

Signs can be downloaded and printed from the Smokefree England website (www.smokefreeengland.co.uk/resources). Please download Medway Council's signage guidance (pdf 135KB) for examples of the two signs mentioned above, including the wording to be used and sizes. This is useful if you are getting your own signs printed. To use this file you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this on your computer, please use our advice page.

Alternatively, you can design and print your own no smoking signs, as long as they meet the minimum requirements. You are also free to personalise your signs by replacing the words "these premises" with the name or type of premises that you operate, for example, "this gym".

Offences under the new laws:

• Failing to display signs of at least A5 size or of an equivalent area that include the international red "no smoking" symbol (a single burning cigarette in a red circle with a red bar across it) at the entrance to premises and the words "No smoking. It is against the law to smoke in these premises" in clear, bold text. The words "these premises" can be replaced as mentioned above. Signs inside buildings must display the international no smoking logo at least 70mm in diameter. There is a fine of up to £1,000 or a fixed penalty of £200.
• Smoking in a smokefree place. There is a fine of up to £200 or a fixed penalty of £50.
• Allowing smoking in a smokefree place. There is a fine of up to £2,500.

This means that any person in control of a building or vehicle could receive a fixed penalty notice and in persistent cases, be prosecuted for failing to display the correct signs. Any person could receive a fixed penalty notice for smoking in a smokefree place and in persistent cases, could be prosecuted.

Any person in control of a building or vehicle that should be smokefree, like a pub licensee, bus or taxi driver or employer could receive a fixed penalty notice for allowing a person to smoke in their building or vehicle and in persistent cases, be prosecuted. Council officers are authorised to issue fixed penalty notices and enforce the law.

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