What should I do if someone smokes in a smokefree place I’m responsible for?

Based on experience from other countries, we are confident that people will respect the new law. However, you will need to be prepared if someone does smoke in a smokefree place you are responsible for.

Our advice is to:

• Draw the person’s attention to the no-smoking signs and ask them to stop smoking or go outside.
• Point out that they are committing a criminal offence by smoking in a smokefree premises or vehicle.
• Remind the person that under the law you have responsibilities to prevent smoking and that you could both receive a fine.

You should consider not serving a customer who breaks the law and can ask them to leave your premises. If an employee breaks the law you may wish to consider taking disciplinary action.

If physical violence is threatened by a person smoking, we suggest you notify and/or seek assistance from the police. A downloadable flowchart, which suggests reasonable steps you could take, is available from the Smokefree England website.