Guidance
The official 'Everything you need' guide to the new smokefree law is available to download from the Smokefree England website. The link to the website can be found to the right of the page.
This is the official government guidance and explains everything businesses and organisations need to know about the new smokefree law. The booklet was also included in the full guidance pack mailed to businesses from Smokefree England back in April.
Signage
All smokefree premises and vehicles need to display no-smoking signs that meet the requirements of the law. No-smoking signs make it clear which premises and vehicles are smokefree and demonstrate that you are taking the necessary steps to meet the requirements of the smokefree law. For further details see the guidance brochure on the Smokefree England website, shown to the right of the screen. You can download, print or order no-smoking signs from the website.
No-smoking signs will need to be displayed in a prominent position at every entrance to smokefree premises. These must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a minimum of A5 in area (210mm x 148mm)
- Display the international no-smoking symbol at least 70mm in diameter
- Carry the following words in characters that can be easily read 'No smoking. It is against the law to smoke in these premises'
The smaller 'symbol only' sign, which consists of the international no-smoking symbol may instead be displayed at entrances to smokefree premises that are:
- Only used by members of staff, providing the premises displays at least one A5 area sign, or
- Located within larger smokefree premises, such as a shop within an indoor shopping centre
Signage for vehicles
Smokefree vehicles will need to display a no-smoking sign in each compartment of the vehicle in which people can be carried. This sign must be just the symbol (i.e. without the words 'no smoking').
Where can I get the signs?
Signs can be either downloaded and printed or ordered from the Smokefree England website or from Smokefree England information line on 0800 169 1697.
How to deal with smoking
Anyone in charge of smokefree premises and vehicles need to be prepared to take action if someone smokes in an enclosed or substantially enclosed area. The flowchart (which can be located in the 'Read more' section) suggests reasonable steps that could be taken to deal with smoking in any smokefree premises or vehicle.