Will my business be affected?

How will the new smoking ban affect my business premises?

The law will require enclosed public places, including workplaces, to be smoke-free. This means you, your staff, customers and visitors will not be allowed to smoke in the enclosed area of your premises.

What will I need to do to comply with the no smoking law?

Employers, managers and those in control of no-smoking premises will need to display no-smoking notices and to take reasonable steps to ensure that staff, customers, members and visitors are aware of the new law and that they do not smoke in their premises. We recommend the following minimum action:

• display of no-smoking notices (as specified in the draft regulations and forthcoming guidance) so that they are clearly visible to all employees, customers and visitors while they are in the premises;
• developing and implementing a smoke-free policy;
• removing all ashtrays from premises;
• informing anyone smoking that he/she is committing an offence;
• requesting that they extinguish their smoking material immediately or leave;
• and refusing service if a customer or member continues to smoke in public.

Will there be support for businesses?

Detailed guidance for businesses is available on this website. This sets out the steps that employers, managers and those in control of premises should take to comply with the smoking law. This will also be mailed to all businesses in Wales.

In order to comply with the law, you will be required to display ‘No Smoking’ signage in smoke-free premises and vehicles. These are also available to download from this website or on request from the Welsh Assembly Government.

For specific advice on the application of the legislation to your business, please contact your local authority’s department for environmental health or public protection. You can email any queries about the principles of the legislation and general arrangements for implementing the ban to TobaccoPolicyBranch@wales.gsi.gov.uk.