Smoking Legislation
Mark S. Elliott has spent 25 years working in various management roles within the tenanted and leased divisions of the UK's largest breweries and pub companies. His extensive knowledge and day-to-day involvement with pubs and publicans make him well qualified to know what is required to run a successful pub. He shares his knowledge and many 'insider tips' with you in this book. Mark is based in Cockermouth, Cumbria.
SMOKING LEGISLATION
Background
In April 2004, the Irish Government implemented a ban forbidding smoking in places of work in Ireland under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002, which included pubs and bars. Scotland introduced a ban forbidding smoking in public places in March 2006 under the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005, and the UK Parliament has agreed to a similar smoking ban which is planned for summer 2007. Northern Ireland and Wales are expected to introduce comparable legislation in the near future. Smoking in all UK pubs and bars is likely to be outlawed by 2007.
The aim of the legislation is to protect workers and the general public from the harmful effects of passive smoking.
Offences under the Acts
Offences under the Acts include:
- Smoking in no-smoking premises.
- Permitting others to smoke in no-smoking premises.
- Failing to display no-smoking signs.
Fixed penalty fines and other penalties can be applied for anyone breaking the law.
Outside smoking areas
Structures located outside the premise may be designated as smoking areas as long as not more than 50% of the structure’s perimeter is covered by a wall or window. (New structures may require you to obtain planning permission before you can erect them.)
Obtaining more information
You can obtain more information on UK smoking legislation by visiting the website of the Office of Public Sector Information: www.opsi.gov.uk/
