News : Valerie Moore

Smoking will be officially banned in all workplaces and enclosed public places from 1 July 2007. All UK offices, factories, shops, pubs, restaurants and membership clubs will become smoke-free. Under the new Health Act 2006, it will also be illegal for employees to smoke in work vehicles used by more than one person.

Also outlawed will be smoking rooms and segregating smokers and non-smokers within a building.
A ban in Scotland came into effect in March 2006 and Wales is expected to follow in April 2007.
Some 25% of the population smoke - so if you have smokers working for you now is the time to consider how the change will be managed and possibly implement a “no smoking” policy. Consider whether an outside area will be made available and give consideration to disposal of cigarette ends etc and the possible fire hazards. Also consider what effect it may on your non-smokers if smokers are given “time out” to outside for a cigarette.

For more information visit the ACAS website. www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=696

If you run a business that is a public building - ie café, shop, restaurant - these changes will affect you too.