The Law

Since Sunday, 1 July 2007, it has been against the law to smoke in virtually all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces in England and throughout the rest of the  United Kingdom.

No-smoking signs have to be displayed in all smoke-free premises.

Indoor smoking rooms or areas are not be allowed: those who want to smoke have to go outside.  Smoking outside may only take place well away from from the entrances and exits to the premises.

Managers of smoke free premises have a legal duty to prevent people from smoking on the premises.

Penalties for breaking the Law

A fixed penalty notice of £50 (reduced to £30 if paid in 15 days) is imposed on the person smoking or a maximum fine of £200 if prosecuted and convicted by a court.

A fixed penalty notice of £200 (reduced to £150 if paid in 15 days) is imposed on whomever manages or controls the smoke-free premises for not displaying no-smoking signs or a maximum fine of £1,000 if prosecuted and convicted by a court.

A maximum fine of £2,500 is imposed on whomever manages or controls the smoke-free premises, if prosecuted and convicted by a court.  There is no fixed penalty notice for this offence.