Smoking, and breathing in other people's smoke, damages health. Smoking isn't allowed in any enclosed workplace, public building or on public transport in the UK.
How legislation affects businesses
Businesses must:
- display 'no smoking' signs in all workplaces and vehicles
- make sure people don't smoke in enclosed work premises or shared vehicles
Staff smoking rooms
These aren't allowed - smokers must go outside.
Businesses should keep this area litter-free.
E-cigarettes
The law doesn't apply to e-cigarettes.
Employers can decide if they can be used on their premises.
Smoking in work vehicles
Smoking isn't allowed in any work vehicle that more than one person uses, eg:
- taxis
- buses
- vans
- goods vehicles used by more than 1 driver
- company cars used by more than 1 employee
A worker can smoke in a company car that only they use, if their employer agrees.
Information for specific businesses
More information can be found in the guides to smoke free legislation
Fines and penalties
Businesses can be fined up to £2,500 if they don't stop people smoking in the workplace, or up to £1,000 if they don't display 'no smoking' signs.
Residential care homes
Residential care homes and hospices can offer individual smoking rooms but only for residents.
The rooms must be well ventilated and smoke mustn't get into other rooms.
Report a smoking incident
If you see the law being broken, call 01303 853660 - you don't have to give your contact details.
Quit smoking
If you want to stop smoking, the NHS offers free support.