New Smoking Ban in England

1) Why is there a new smoking ban in England? Theand hubble-bubble pipes).
government has identified that second-hand smoke is7) Will smoking be banned outdoors too? The Health
a threat to health in non-smokers exposed to it. AsAct 2006 includes powers to make non-enclosed
such, they have decided to protect non-smokers fromplaces smoke-free, but at present the Government
the negative effects of 'environmental tobacco smokedoes not intend to make any non-enclosed places
in enclosed spaces.smoke-free.
2) When does the new smoking ban in England take8) What happens if I smoke in a smoke-free area?
effect? 1st July 2007 - smoking in enclosed publicSmoking in smoke-free premises or vehicle will give a
spaces is already banned in Northern Ireland, Scotlandfixed penalty notice of £50, which is discounted to
and Wales.£30 if paid within 15 days. Business owners can
3) Where does the new smoking ban in Englandexpect a fine of up to £2,500 for failing to
specifically ban smoking from? The new law bansprevent smoking within enclosed public spaces.
smoking in virtually all enclosed public places, including9) What about hotels and private clubs? Hotels will be
pubs, bars, restaurants, offices, factories, cinemas andnon-smoking but there may be designated rooms
sports stadiums.where guests can smoke. Private clubs are covered
4) How will I know what areas are smoke-free?by the ban. This includes working men clubs and golf
Smoke-free places will be clearly sign-posted withclubs.
no-smoking signs. It is a legal requirement for places10) How will the new smoking ban in England be
where smoking is now no longer allowed, to display noenforced? The government has set aside funds for
smoking signs.councils to employ 'smoking officers' who are tasked
5) But what does smoke-free really mean? If you lightwith ensuring businesses follow the letter of the law. It
up in a public place, workplace or company vehicleis expected to be enforced on a 'softly, softly' basis at
you'll be breaking the law. Or if managers let youfirst. All businesses are expected to be given a
smoke in no-smoking zones, they'll be breaking the law.'warning' before any legal action is taken against them.
6) Will this new smoking ban in England mean all11) Did you know? If a business owner were found
smoking is banned? The ban covers the smoking ofguilty of breaking this law and then failed to pay the
tobacco or anything that contains tobacco, or smokingfine, resulting in a custodial sentence, they would be
any other substance. This includes manufacturedallowed to smoke in enclosed public areas of the
cigarettes, hand-rolled cigarettes, pipes, cigars, herbalprison!
cigarettes and water pipes (including shisha, hookah