Enjoying Smoke Free Bolton

Following the introduction of Government legislation Bolton became Smoke Free on 1st July 2007. The smoke free legislation covers virtually all public places in England, and affects all local businesses from factories to workshops and clubs to bars, regardless of size and number of employees. One year on, the majority of businesses are enjoying the many benefits of a smoke free healthy environment.

What businesses need to know

Anyone in charge of licensed premises, workplaces or of company vehicles will need to ensure that they adhere to the smoke free law. For full details of the legislation visit www.smokefreeengland.co.uk, but in brief the law applies to:

• Smoking in licensed premises and workplaces

  All staff and customers can not smoke in the premises at any time - anyone wishing to smoke must go outside.

However, premises do not need to provide outdoor smoking facilities or shelters, if they choose to do so they will need to ensure that the area/shelter is not ‘enclosed’ or ‘substantially enclosed’.

• Planning Permission

  Premises considering installing an outside smoking facility will also need to ensure that any relevant planning permissions have been granted, (visit our website for details of what you need to do).

• Signage Requirements

All premises must display clear ‘No Smoking’ signs at all public entrances to the business/premises. Existing signage may well not meet the new legislation standards; visit www.smokefreeengland.co.uk for the minimum requirements.

Additional signage can be obtained from the Health and Safety Unit, Weston House, Weston Street, Bolton (01204) 336345.

• Smoking Related Litter

  It’s the premises responsibility to ensure that the exterior of the building/ workplace is litter free. Bins for cigarette ends, so that staff and customers can extinguish their cigarette before entering the building, must be provided. Don’t forget the placing of bins, ashtrays and cigarette bins may also need the approval of Highways and Planning.

Ignorance isn’t bliss…

Quite simply the smoke free law applies to everyone, so ignoring it is not an option. The proprietors / owners of a business are responsible for ensuring customers and staff comply with the legislation. Council Officers will work with premises and workplaces to ensure that the ban is implemented.

Anyone who ignores the new law runs the risk of being prosecuted; enforcement action undertaken will only be considered when efforts to encourage compliance have failed.

For further details please visit www.bolton.gov.uk/smokefreebolton

What can I do if a customer lights up?

Refusing to stop smoking inside your premises should be treated the same as any other non-compliance with licensing conidtions and / or building policy. The customer should be informed that he/she is committing an offence and asked to extinguish their smoking material immediately or leave. Failure to do either should lead to normal ejection procedures.

Further advice and guidance?

To obtain more information, please use the Contact information below.