Smoke Free England

On 1st July this year, England will become smoke free and there is little doubt that insurers will make compliance a condition of cover from both a material damage and personal injury perspective.

The new law is being introduced to protect employees and the public from the harmful effects of second hand smoke. The legislation will make it illegal to smoke in virtually all enclosed public places, workplaces and public and work vehicles.

Most industrial and commercial businesses will have "designated Smoking Areas" within their premises allowed by insurers under a “No Smoking Warranty” these now become illegal

The law requires managers of any premises to which the law applies to:-

• Have all appropriate signage in place
• Make sure their customers, employees and visitors are aware that their premises and work vehicles are legally required to be smoke free.
• Remove any existing indoor smoking rooms
• Demonstrate that reasonable steps have been taken to comply with the new law such as training staff, removing ashtrays & introducing a smoke free policy.

Local Councils will be responsible for enforcing the new law and failure to comply will be a criminal offence.

If you require any further information on this subject please contact our Risk Manager Mike Reed on 0115 946 2316 or email mike.reed@rsib.co.uk.