Kensington and Chelsea Smokefree workplaces
In July 2007, it became illegal to smoke in any workplace or
work vehicle in England. This includes every office, pub, club,
restaurant and café. This is to reduce exposure to secondhand
smoke.
Smokefree policy
Businesses are advised to develop a workplace smokefree policy.
This may be a verbal or written policy which is communicated to all
staff and employees. This may be included in the induction training
for new members of staff. Many businesses have also placed a
copy of their smokefree policy on the staff notice board. Such
policies often include but not limited to:
- the law against smoking in workplaces
- disciplinary actions to be taken where staff breach the
law
- how to deal with customers smoking in the premises
You can download a sample policy here:
If you need help developing a Smokefree policy for your
workplace, please visit the Smokefree England
website.
Dealing with non-compliance
We are confident that people will respect the smokefree law but
you need to be prepared if someone smokes in a premise or vehicle
for which you are responsible. We advise that you:
- draw the attention of the smoker to the no-smoking sign and ask
them to stop smoking
- remind them that they are committing a criminal offence by
smoking in a smokefree premise or vehicle
- mention that as the person-in-charge for the smokefree premises
or vehicle, you are responsible for preventing smoking and both of
you may receive fines
- consider refusing to offer your services to the individual, and
request that he or she leave the premises or vehicle
- keep a record of the incidence
If the person refuses to stop or leave, we advise that you deal
with it the same way as you would deal with a disruptive customer.
Seek the assistance of the police if physical violence is
threatened by the person smoking. For further advice, please visit
the Smokefree England
website.