The UK Smoking Ban
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It has divided the UK, but whether you agree with it or not from the 1st July '07 the ban on smoking will cover the whole of the UK and affect your business.
The law which will mean that smoking is prohibited in any place of work, has a knock on effect of excluding smokers from bars and clubs and even has ramification for home workers and those who drive for a living.
One of the requirements of the law is that smoke free signs must be displayed around your premises, even if closed to the public.
View the range of signage available on Office Stop
What signage do I have to display?The new law will require no-smoking signs to be displayed in all smokefree premises and vehicles. Signs will make it clear which premises and vehicles are smokefree and demonstrate that you are taking the necessary steps to meet the requirements of the new law.
Required signage for smokefree premisesNo-smoking signs will need to be displayed in a prominent position at every public 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'
A smaller sign consisting of the international no-smoking symbol at least 70mm in diameter 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.
Smokefree vehicles will need to display a no-smoking sign in each compartment of the vehicle in which people can be carried. This must show the international no-smoking symbol at least 70mm in diameter.
Signs will be included in the guidance mailing to businesses in April. Additional signs can be downloaded and printed or ordered from this website. Alternatively, you are welcome to 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 changing the words 'these premises' to refer to the name or type of premises - such as 'this gym', 'this salon' or 'this restaurant'.
For more information, click here to view the govenment website on the new law.
* Means a symbol, which consists solely of a graphic representation of a single burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle of at least 70mm in diameter with a red bar across it.