Smoking Ban From 1st July

The UK smoking ban comes into force in all enclosed public places and workplaces in England on 1^st July. Although well publicised, these changes go beyond what many employers already do.

• "Enclosed Premises"
have a roof or ceiling and except for doors or windows are permanently or temporarily fully enclosed;
• "Substantially Enclosed Premises"
have a roof or a ceiling and an opening in the walls that is less than half of the area of the walls (excluding windows and doors that can be shut);

• Employers who fail to stop people smoking at work will commit an offence punishable by a fine of up to £2,500. If an employee smokes at work an employer will only have a defence if it can show that it took reasonable steps to prevent smoking, did not know or could not reasonably be expected to know that employees were smoking; or can show other