Virtually all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places, workplaces and work vehicles in England will be smoke free by law from 1st July 2007.

A smoke free England will ensure a healthier environment, so everyone can work, socialise, relax and shop, free from second hand smoke.

Smoke free legislation will cover everywhere from offices, factories, shops, pubs, bars, restaurants to private clubs, public transport and work vehicles that are used by more than one person. The law will also mean that indoor workplace smoking rooms will no longer be permitted so anyone wishing to smoke will have to go outside.

The introduction of smoke free environments will reduce the risks to health from exposure to second hand smoke and recognise a person’s right to be protected from harm and enjoy smoke free air. Second hand smoke can cause a range of serious medical conditions including heart disease, lung cancer, sudden infant death syndrome and asthma attacks.

Smoking Shelters
Going Smoke Free - A planning advice note on smoking shelters and other features.

Smoking is the single biggest preventable killer accounting for over 106,000 deaths in the UK each year, i.e. around 1 in 5 of all deaths.

Smokers may wish to take the implementation of these new laws as an opportunity to give up smoking. If so contact the National Quitline: 0800 169 0169 or log onto NHS Smokefree

Alternatively contact the Smoke Free Devon Alliance on: 01392 267780 or log onto Smokefree Devon

What the Law requires

From 1st July 2007 it will an offence to:

• Smoke in a smoke free place
• Fail to prevent smoking in a smoke free place
• Fail to display ‘no-smoking’ signs

Enforcement will use a system of fines and fixed penalty notices, however whilst it will be the policy of South Hams District Council to ensure compliance with these new laws, our intended approach will be non-confrontational and focus on raising awareness and understanding to ensure compliance.

Our enforcement officers will work closely with local businesses and other stakeholders to assist compliance through education, advice and support. Formal action is, however likely to result where these efforts fail. Click here to view the Council’s smoke free enforcement policy and good practice recommendations.

Businesses and those having responsibilities for public areas need to be prepared to meet these new laws.  To assist with the implementation, the Government have set up a website and a helpline number through which further information (including the statutory signs) can be obtained. Telephone 0800 169 1697 or log on to Smokefree England

If you wish to download the statutory signs from the Council’s website click on the following links.
A5 Sign for Entrance of all Premises This sign Simple Sign may only be used provided that the A5 sign is displayed at the entrance to the premises and can also be used in vehicles.

Smoking Calculator
Do you know how much smoking is costing you? If you were thinking about quitting this might just convince you, because there's an awful lot of money going up in smoke. The real cost of smoking Calculator