As of 6.00 am on Sunday the 1st July 2007, virtually all enclosed [or substantially enclosed] public spaces and work places in England will be subject to Smoke Free Legislation. Virtually all workplaces used by more than one person will be affected.
Indoor work place smoking rooms will no longer be allowed. Anyone wanting to smoke will have to go outside.
See the Smokefree England Website for further information
Fresh North East Website
Signage
From 1st July 2007, managers of all premises and vehicles will need to display 'No Smoking' signs. These have been made widely available, free of charge, by the Department of Health. All VAT registered companies should have received a free smokefree pack including signs during April - June 2007. They can be obtained from Smokefree England Information Line 0800 169 1697 or the Smokefree England website. Failure to display the approved signs is a criminal offence.
Smoking Shelters
Smoking is permitted where there is no roof; or there is a roof but more than half of the total wall area (including other structures, hedges etc) that makes up the perimeter is permanently open.
If you, as the manger or owner of a business, are considering providing a smoking shelter, for customers or staff, you should ensure it complies with building, health and safety, environmental and planning legislation. Further advice is available in our Smoking Shelters Guidance (pdf)
Business Support
Managers and those in control of premises should keep a log of smoking related incidents within the premises. This will be regarded as due diligence should an enforcement officer be called upon to investigate a complaint.
Smoking related incidents log (word)
If staff are unsure as to their role in managing the situation the following guide will be of use.
Smoking in pubs, clubs and hotels (pdf)
Darlington Borough Council recognises that this law will have major implications for businesses. Help and advice is available for businesses for introducing no-smoking policies and practical help to employees who want to give up smoking.
For more information contact:
Richard Selkirk: Healthy Workplaces Officer
Telephone: 01325 388563
Email: richard.selkirk@darlington.gov.uk
Smoking Cessation Service
Help is available from the free local NHS Stop Smoking Service in Darlington. You can contact them yourself, or be given a referral via your GP or hospital.
Telephone: 01325 746131 / 746132 or 01325 746114
Times of Helplines: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm.
Address: Dr Piper House King Street Darlington County Durham DL3 6JL
Email: darcy.brown@darlingtonpct.nhs.uk
Darlington PCT Website
Licensing
If you are licensed premises, you may require a variation to your licensing application to cover any proposed external area for use. Contact the Licensing Department on 01325 388577 or licensing@darlington.gov.uk for further advice.
Official Guide to the Smokefree Law
Smokefree England has produced a document with information for businesses and organisations. This is available in English, Polish, Bengali, Punjabi and Cantonese.
Smokefree England guidance booklet (pdf)
Smokefree England guidance booklet - Polish (pdf)
Smokefree England guidance booklet - Bengali (pdf)
Smokefree England guidance booklet - Punjabi (pdf)
Smokefree England guidance booklet - Cantonese (pdf)
Enclosed: Premises will be considered ‘enclosed’ if they have a ceiling or roof and are wholly enclosed (except for doors windows or passageways) either on a temporary or permanent basis.
Substantially enclosed: Premises will be considered ‘substantially enclosed’ if they have a ceiling or roof, but have an opening in the walls, which is less than half the total area of the walls (for example Darlington train station). The area of the opening does not include doors, windows or any other fittings that can be opened or shut.