Smokefree England

This means that virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England are now smokefree. This includes:

• pubs
• clubs
• cafes
• bars
• shops
• offices
• public transport and;
• work vehicles that are used by more than one person at any time.

Any person who wants to smoke will now have to go outside as smoking rooms for staff and indoor smoking areas is no longer allowed.

The law has been introduced to protect everyone from secondhand smoke and its harmful effects.

We have taken a graduated approach to enforcement in line with Government guidance and focussed on education to promote understanding of the new requirements in order to ensure compliance.

We worked closely with businesses in the lead up to implementation of this new legislation and will continue to do so now that the smoke free legislation is in force. We will, of course, respond to any complaints we receive and investigate appropriately but expect that most businesses and indeed customers will be enforcing the ban effectively.

We will only consider enforcement action when all efforts to encourage compliance have failed and we have no intention of carrying out undercover operations at this stage.

We have carried out a number of initiatives in the run up to Smoke Free Stevenage, including -

• Making personal visits with HSE Advisors to all small businesses in Stevenage informing them about Smokefree England.
• Walking through Stevenage Old Town visiting businesses informing them about Smokefree England.
• Distributing Smokefree England information packs to town centre businesses.
• Distributing fact-sheets about how Smokefree England will affect taxis and minicabs to CabWatch.
• Attending monthly PubWatch meetings to update and inform the licensed trade.
• Information pack sent out to all local community centres.
• Information pack sent to all driving schools.
• Information pack sent to all Doctors and Dentists practices.
• Information packs sent to bus, coach and mini-bus companies
• Fact-sheets sent to all Hotels and B&Bs in Stevenage.
• Sent out flyers regarding the new Smokefree law to 1650 companies with the business rates.
• Visiting neighbourhood areas, ensuring businesses are ready for the new law.
• Supplying the Westgate shopping centre with the correct signage.
• Having a Smokefree England display in the main reception for staff and in the CSC for the public.
• Holding promotions at ASDA and a large employer (MBDA) in Stevenage
• Giving talks to community groups about how the legislation will affect them.
• 300 ‘Smokefree’ teddies distributed to residents of Stevenage.

Penalties are in place for anyone not complying with the law:

Smoking in smokefree premises or vehicles

• A £50 fixed penalty notice on the person smoking (reduced to £30 if paid within 15 days).
• A maximum fine of £200 if prosecuted and convicted.

Failure to display no-smoking signs

• A £200 fixed penalty notice on whoever manages or occupies the smokefree premises or vehicle (reduced to £150 if paid within 15 days).
• A maximum fine of £1000 if prosecuted and convicted.

Failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place

No fixed penalty but a maximum fine of £2500 on whoever manages or controls the smokefree premises or vehicle if prosecuted and convicted.

Information Leaflets

• General Information Leaflet
• Hotels / B and B's
• Working Mens Clubs
• Schools
• Sports Clubs and Leisure Centres
• Work Vehicles
• Frequently asked questions

Further Information

For further information about the new smokefree law in England visit www.smokefreeengland.co.uk or call the smokefree England information line on 0800 169 169 7.

For further information within Stevenage please contact our Health Promotion team at Stevenage Borough Council, Daneshill House, Danestrete, Stevenage, Herts SG1 1HN, telephone 01438 242262 or email healthpromotion@stevenage.gov.uk