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Are You Ready for Smoking Legislation?
If your business has employees then you need
to be aware of the new smoking legislation
that comes into force on 1st
July. After this date smoking will be
against the law in virtually all public
places and workplaces; including many work
vehicles.
There are some exemptions, including hotels
and guest houses who can continue to have
smoking rooms if they meet certain
conditions. However, most pubs and other
such venues will not be able to have smoking
areas.
Specialist tobacconist stores will be
allowed to have people sample cigars and
pipe tobacco provided they meet specific
conditions.
The government says that the legislation
will not adversely affect businesses; in
fact, many pubs, restaurants and hospitality
businesses could even benefit. A survey by
the Times from October 2006 showed that the
profits of pubs* that have already banned
smoking have gone up by an average of 50%;
whilst Mitchell & Butlers pub chain found
food sales went up by 11% after the
legislation was introduced in Scotland*.
Part of the regulations will be putting up
no smoking signs in the entrances to your
premises, and in applicable work vehicles.
As the final information on the legislation
will be released near to Easter, these are
only guideline rules; we will of course
bring you more information on the
legislation once the details have been
confirmed.
You can get more information on the
legislation by going to the
Smoke Free England site, which has
leaflets and also an online form to keep
yourself updated on the legislation and any
future changes to it.
*Source – NHS Smokefree England Factsheet
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