The smokefree law has been introduced to protect employees and the public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
The key points are:
- On 1st July 2007, the smokefree law was introduced. It is now against the law to smoke in virtually all 'enclosed' and 'substantially enclosed' public places and workplaces. See below for definitions
- Public transport and work vehicles used by more than one person must be smoke-free at all times
- No-smoking signs must be displayed in all smoke-free premises and vehicles
- Staff smoking rooms and indoor smoking areas are no longer allowed, so anyone who wants to smoke has to go outside
- Managers of smokefree premises and vehicles have legal responsibilities to prevent people from smoking
- If you are uncertain where you can or can't smoke, just look for the no-smoking signs or ask someone in charge
Penalties and fines for breaking the smokefree law
Local councils are responsible for enforcing the new law in England. If you don't comply with the smokefree law, you will be committing a criminal offence. The fixed penalty notices and maximum fine for each offence are:
| Offence |
Who is liable? |
Fixed Penalty Notice (if paid in 15 days) |
Fixed Penalty Notice (if paid in 29 days) |
Court awarded fine |
| Smoking in a smokefree place |
Anyone who smokes in a smokefree place |
£30 |
£50 |
Up to £200 |
| Failing to display required no-smoking signs |
Anyone who manages or occupies the smokefree premises or vehicle |
£150 |
£200 |
Up to £1000 |
| Failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place |
Anyone who manages or controls the smokefree premises or vehicle |
N/A |
N/A |
Up to £2500 |
If someone is smoking in a smokefree place or vehicle, you should alert the manager or the person in charge of the premises or vehicle in the first instance.
Alternatively you can contact South Gloucestershire Council or phone the smokefree compliance line on 0800 587 1667 to make a report.