What are the penalties?

In other smokefree countries, such as Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand, the levels of compliance are high, and the laws quickly became self-enforcing.  However, anyone who doesn’t comply with the new smokefree law will be committing a criminal offence and could face a fine of up to £200 for smoking in a smokefree place.

The fixed penalty notices and maximum fine for each offence are set out below:

Smoking in smokefree premises or vehicles:

A fixed penalty notice of £50 imposed on the person smoking. Or a maximum fine of £200 if prosecuted and convicted by a court. (Fixed penalty reduced to £30 if paid in 15 days.)

Failure to display no-smoking signs:

A fixed penalty notice of £200 imposed on whoever manages or occupies the smokefree premises or vehicle. Or a maximum fine of £1,000 if prosecuted and convicted by a Court. (Fixed penalty reduced to £150 if paid in 15 days.)

Failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place:

A maximum fine of £2,500 imposed on whoever manages or controls the smokefree premises or vehicle if prosecuted and convicted by a Court. There is no fixed penalty notice for this offence.