2. Smoke free: how to comply

2. Smoke free: how to comply

Every business must now ensure that their staff, customers and visitors are aware of the new law. In preparation you should:

1. Display no smoking signs: the law requires premises to display appropriate signage at each entrance. These ‘No Smoking’ signs should make staff, customers and visitors aware that they must comply with the new smoking law. Sign template.

2. Remove ashtrays: or any other ash collection device from inside your premises.

3. Adopt a smoke free approach: you should make all your staff aware of the requirements to be smoke free and ensure that infringements by employees, customers, members etc are dealt with under agreed procedures. If you have any doubts that you will satisfactorily achieve this, you may want to adopt a more formal policy. Download a sample policy.

4. Get approval for outside shelters/dining: remember that permanent structures will need planning permission. In the case of licensed premises, if these outside areas are not already included on your licence it may involve a variation application. You must talk to the council’s planning and licensing departments if you are considering any of these. Sample smoking shelters.

You should also be ready to deal with the impact of your smoking customers and staff moving onto the street. This will give rise to a number of associated issues which, although are not directly related to the smoke free legislation, will need to be addressed by you. The council can help you put in place measures to minimise noise and litter etc. Get more information.