Employer Advice

Corporate Programmes

IQS runs tailored Corporate Programmes which benefit both your staff and the company.

To find out more please contact us on 0800 107 5877, email info@quitwithiqs.co.uk or visit our corporate programme section.

From the 1st July 2007 all employers will need to make their work place "Smoke Free".

This means that staff, customers and visitors will be unable to smoke.

Employers, managers and those in charge of "Smoke Free" premises and vehicles will need to:

  • Display 'no smoking' signs in premises and vehicles
  • Take reasonable steps to ensure that staff, customers/members and visitors are aware that premises and vehicles are legally required to be "smoke free"
  • Remove any existing indoor smoking rooms
  • Ensure that no one smokes in "smoke free" premises or vehicles

As an employer it may be a good idea to take these steps to support your workforce and help them comply with the new regulation.

  • Organise an IQS representative to attend your workplace and provide a short seminar on quitting smoking and offer staff training to help them understand the new law and what their responsibilities are.
  • Set up an employee "I Quit Smoking" scheme
  • Remove ashtrays from "Smoke Free" areas
  • Develop a "Smoke Free" policy in consultation with staff

Employer FAQ’s

Where must be "Smoke Free"?

The law will apply to virtually all 'enclosed' and 'substantially enclosed' public places and workplaces. This includes both permanent structures and temporary ones such as tents and marquees. This also means that indoor smoking rooms in public places and workplaces will no longer be allowed.

Premises will be considered 'enclosed' if they have a ceiling or roof and (except for doors, windows or passageways) are wholly enclosed either on a permanent or temporary basis.

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. The area of the opening does not include doors, windows or any other fittings that can be opened or shut.

If you require further guidance on whether your premises are 'enclosed' or 'substantially enclosed' please contact your local council.

"Smoke Free" vehicles

The new law will also require vehicles to be "Smoke Free" at all times if they are used:

  • To transport members of the public
  • In the course of paid or voluntary work by more than one person - regardless of whether they are in the vehicle at the same time.

Vehicles that are used primarily for private purposes will not be required to be "Smoke Free".

Do I have display signs?

The new law will require no-smoking signs to be displayed in all "Smoke Free" premises and vehicles. Signs will make it clear which premises and vehicles are "Smoke Free" and demonstrate that you are taking the necessary steps to meet the requirements of the new law.

You can download and IQS – No Smoking Display Sign (LINK)

Requirements for "Smoke Free" premises

No-smoking signs will need to meet the following minimum requirements and be displayed in a prominent position at every public entrance to "Smoke Free" premises.

  • 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 be displayed at entrances to "Smoke Free" premises that are:

  • Only used by members of staff. Providing the premises displays at least one a5 area sign, or
  • Located within larger "smoke free" premises, such as a shop within an indoor shopping centre.

Requirements for "Smoke Free" vehicles

"Smoke Free" 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.

How do I develop a "Smoke Free" policy?

To ensure employees are aware of "Smoke Free" legislation and changes to your workplace you may wish to consider developing a written "Smoke Free" policy for your workplace.

Effective "Smoke Free" policies:

  • Are concise and simple to understand;
  • Explain the reasons for the policy;
  • Acknowledge the right of employees to work in a "smoke free" environment;
  • Make reference to the relevant "smoke free" legislation;
  • States that the policy applies to workers at all levels as well as to visitors and customers;
  • Identify where smoking is/is not permitted;
  • Identify the members of management and staff who have responsibility for the implementation of the policy;
  • State how the organisation will deal with non-compliance;
  • Provide information on how to obtain help to quit smoking;
  • Include a consultation with members of staff;
  • Are communicated to all members of staff (including new employees before they start work).

You will need to decide how to deal with non-compliance with your "Smoke Free" policy and how the policy fits within your existing health and safety as well as discipline policies.

What about a smoking shelter?

There is no requirement to provide smoking shelters. It is common for health-focused employers not to spend money creating places for smokers to congregate. If you do have an outside smoking shelter or area, you will need to be sure that it is not 'enclosed' or 'substantially enclosed' as defined by the new law.

You can also consider placing "I Quit Smoking" advice and literature in these areas.

How can I support my staff and customers who wish to stop smoking?

Around 70% of smokers say they want to stop smoking, and the new "Smoke Free" law could provide extra motivation to do so.

IQS can provide a fast, painless and instant method of helping your employees quit smoking. Contact 0800 1075877 for more information, or to arrange a visit from one of our trained representatives.

How will the law be enforced?

Local councils will be responsible for enforcing the new law in England.

In other countries, such as Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand, levels of compliance are high, and the laws quickly became self-enforcing. However, if you manage or are in charge of any premises or vehicles that the new law applies to, you will have a legal responsibility to ensure they become and remain "Smoke Free". Therefore, you will need to be prepared to take action if someone does smoke in a "Smoke Free" place.

Links to regulations documents:

  1. The Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations set out what is meant by enclosed and substantially enclosed and the bodies responsible for enforcing smokefree legislation. The Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006 (new window)
  2. The Smokefree (Exemptions and Vehicles) Regulations set out the exemptions to smokefree legislation and vehicles required to be smokefree. The Smokefree (Exemptions and Vehicles) Regulations 2007 (new window)
  3. The Smokefree (Penalties and Discounted Amounts) Regulations set out the levels of penalties for offences under smokefree legislation. The Smokefree (Penalties and Discounted Amounts) Regulations 2007 (new window)
  4. The Smokefree (Vehicle Operators and Penalty Notices) Regulations set out the responsibility on vehicle operators to prevent smoking in smokefree vehicles and the form for fixed penalty notices. The Smokefree (Vehicle Operators and Penalty Notices) Regulations 2007 (new window)
  5. The Smokefree (Signs) Regulations set out the requirements for no-smoking signs required under smokefree legislation. The Smokefree (Signs) Regulations 2007 (new window)