Smokefree Law in Brief

England will become smokefree on Sunday, 1 July 2007.

The new smokefree law is being introduced to protect employees and the public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

From 1 July 2007, it will be against the law to smoke in virtually all enclosed public places, workplaces and in public and work vehicles.

Indoor smoking rooms in public places and workplaces will no longer be allowed.

Managers of smokefree premises and vehicles will have legal responsibilities to prevent smoking and to ensure that no-smoking signs are displayed as required by the new law.

The law applies to anything that can be smoked. This includes cigarettes, pipes (including water pipes such as shisha and hookah pipes), cigars and herbal cigarettes.

Failure to comply with the new law will be a criminal offence. Penalties and fines for smokefree offences have been outlined.

Local councils will be responsible for enforcing the new law. They will offer information, advice and support to businesses to help them prepare to meet their legal obligations.

You can find out more information on the new law on the Smokefree England website.