The implementation of the smoking ban across the UK is now underway, with the ban coming into effect in Scotland on 26th March 2006.

Similar legislation is set to come into effect in Northern Ireland and Wales in April 2007, with England following on sometime during Summer 2007.

Draught Legislation for the England ban states:

6 - No-smoking signs

(1) It is the duty of any person who occupies or is concerned in the management of smoke-free premises to make sure that no-smoking signs complying with the requirements of this section are displayed in those premises in accordance with the requirements of this section.

(2) Regulations made by the appropriate national authority may provide for a duty corresponding to that mentioned in subsection (1) in relation to—

(a) places which are smoke-free by virtue of section 4,
(b) vehicles which are smoke-free by virtue of section 5.

The duty is to be imposed on persons or descriptions of person specified in the regulations.

(3) The signs must be displayed in accordance with any requirements contained in regulations made by the appropriate national authority.


(4) The signs must conform to any requirements specified in regulations made by the appropriate national authority (for example, requirements as to content, size, design, colour, or wording).


(5) A person who fails to comply with the duty in subsection (1), or any corresponding duty in regulations under subsection (2), commits an offence.


For full details of the proposed Health Bill you can visit the government's publications website - go here.

We will keep you advised of the progess of this legislation to allow you to prepare for the implementation of the ban.

When the exact specifications of the signs required are confirmed, we will supply you with the information you need to comply with the law.


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