Preparing for the Smoking Ban
 Download a printable A5 copy of this poster in PDF format click here |
|
Employers in England are being urged to review their smoking policies amid concerns that they are failing to understand the details of the forthcoming smoking ban (due to come into force on Sunday 1 July). It already applies to Wales and Scotland.
Confusion centres on the provision of a smoking room within the workplace, which will be illegal under the ban. In 2006, research by Croner found that 72% of respondents thought their business was already compliant with the forthcoming law, yet 48% said that they currently provided smoking areas for employees. This leaves 24% of employers believing they are compliant, when they are not.
“Very few exemptions are proposed in the smoking ban. The new law will make it illegal to light up in public premises such as restaurants, bars and clubs, shopping centres and leisure centres, and employers who fail to comply could face huge fines,” says Mark Pratt, managing director of Broadview, a manufacturer and supplier of blinds and awnings, who warns that it is critical that businesses start preparing now for the ban.
“We recommend that businesses take proactive action and implement the smoking ban prior to 1 July by making provision for smokers outside. The leisure and hospitality industry should not fear the ban, but should look at ways to adapt any outside area with products such as awnings and parasols which will enable them to benefit from the ban.”
Broadview (www.broadview-blinds.co.uk), for example, have devised the following checklist to help businesses prepare for the ban.
- Clearly display no smoking signs so they are visible to all staff and customers
- Develop a simple and concise smoke-free policy in consultation with staff and communicate this clearly
- Remove all indoor smoking areas and ashtrays from premises
- Take reasonable steps to ensure that staff and customers are aware that premises will legally be required to be smoke-free
- Identify the outside areas where people can smoke
- Make sure any outside smoking areas are not ‘enclosed’ or ‘substantially enclosed’ under the definitions that are set out in smoke-free regulations. Consider retractable awnings, parasols and low level pavement barrier screens
At the same time, the smoking ban will present an opportunity for the hospitality industry to attract new customers, and to ensure maximum customer satisfaction Broadview recommends that managers could consider introducing the following.
- Introduce a varied and high-quality food menu
- Provide comfortable external facilities
- Take advantage of any marketing support that is offered by suppliers
- Provide drink and food offers or themed promotions
- Add new events to add an extra ‘wow’ factor to the venue
For additional information on the smoking ban legislation visit the Smokefree England website - www.smokefreeengland.co.uk