What do businesses need to do?

Is is the responsibility of a business to ensure that smoking doesn't happen in any enclosed, or substantially enclosed part of a premises, if it does a fine of up to £2,500 could be issued.

No-smoking signs
There is also a requirement to display a no-smoking sign at each entrance to a premises. Vehicles used for work purposes will also be covered by smokefree legislation, these will also need to have no-smoking signs.

The no-smoking signs are subject to strict criteria. They must:

Be the equivalent of A5 in area
Display the international no-smoking symbol in colour, a minimum of 70mm in diameter
Carry the words, "No smoking. It is against the law to smoke in these premises", in characters that can be easily read.

A no-smoking sign that simply displays the no-smoking symbol in colour, a minimum of 70mm in diameter, is also required at entrances to smokefree premises which:

Are for staff only (as long as the premises displays at least one A5 sized sign with words, as set out above)
Are located within other smokefree premises (for example, a shop within an indoor shopping centre)

The Smokefree England website has further information on signage including a downloadable A5 sign for smokefree premises and a downloadable symbol-only sign.

The relevant planning consent may be needed before erecting the requisitory no-smoking sign, contact the Council's Planning Team on 01732 227000 for informal planning advice before proceeding.

Smoking shelters

Although there is no legal requirement to make provision for smokers, one option is to provide a smoking shelter.

Sevenoaks District Council,
Council Offices,
Argyle Road,
Sevenoaks,
Kent
TN13 1HG

01732 227000