It is now against the law to smoke in virtually all enclosed public places including workplaces and public and work vehicles. There are very few exemptions from the law so make sure that your public place or workplace is safe.

Indoor smoking rooms or smoking areas in virtually all public places and workplaces are no longer allowed.

Managers of smokefree premises and vehicles are legally responsible for preventing people from smoking.

The law will require no-smoking signs to be displayed in all smokefree premises

and vehicles. For more information see our FAQ on what signs are required.

The new law applies to anything that can be smoked not just cigarettes. This includes cigarettes, cigars and herbal cigarettes, and pipes (including water pipes such as shisha and hookah pipes).

Failure to comply with the new law will be a criminal offence. Penalties and fines for smokefree offences are as follows-

A fixed penalty notice of £50 imposed on the person smoking. Or a maximum fine of £200 if prosecuted and convicted by a court.

A fixed penalty notice of £200 imposed on whoever manages or occupies the smokefree premises or vehicle. Or a maximum fine of £1000 if prosecuted and convicted by a court.

A maximum fine of £2500 imposed on whoever manages or controls the smokefree premises or vehicle if prosecuted and convicted by a court.

It is the responsibility of local councils to enforce the law and many local councils may employ specific officers to ensure that the law is adhered to.

The councils will also offer information and support to help businesses meet their legal obligations under the new law.