By law all indoor public places and workplaces in England must be smoke-free.
All businesses are affected by these laws.
The law was introduced to protect employees and members of the public from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
The smoke-free legislation covers all relevant premises, vehicles and smoking shelters. It includes both a requirement not to smoke in relevant premises or vehicles and requirements to display signage.
The legislation
The relevant legislation is:
• Health Act 2006
• The Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006
• The Smoke-free (Signs) Regulations 2012
• The Smoke-free (Private Vehicles) Regulations 2015
E-cigarettes are not covered by the smoke-free legislation, although some employers/persons in control of premises do choose to apply the same rules.
For guidance about the law and information about no-smoking signage please visit the Smokefree England website.
Complaints about smoke-free
Initially, please try contacting the person in control of the premises or vehicle. If the matter remains unresolved you may make a complaint.
In certain circumstances it may be necessary for us to refer you to another organisation, such as Thames Valley Police.
Support to stop smoking
The Public Protection Partnership, in partnership with other agencies including Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, supports Smokefreelife Berkshire, with the aim of reducing the ill health and premature death caused every day by tobacco smoke in Berkshire.
