Released on = April 16, 2007, 9:02 am

Press Release Author = M Edson

Industry = Law

Press Release Summary = UK offices need to be ready for the ban or face a hefty fine.

Press Release Body = From July 1st British law will change to mean that smoking at
work will now be a thing of the past.

The ban will cover Wales, Northern Ireland and England. This ban will bring an end
to smoking in all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places, including
schools, restaurants, pubs and public transport. For UK business owners this means
all enclosed or substantially enclosed spaces within the workplace must be smoke
free. Anything with a ceiling or roof and that has closable doors; whether on a
temporary of permanent basis will be deemed as enclosed.
Substantially enclosed spaces are defined by having a ceiling or roof but with walls
that contain up to a 50% open area.
Legally, smoke free premises will be required to display a no-smoking sign that
meets the minimum requirements. Those who don't comply face a fine of up to £2,500
if they fail to stop people smoking on their premises and on the spot fines of £200
for failure to display no-smoking signs (this fine could increase to £1,000 if the
case goes to court). Interestingly there is no legal requirement for business owners
to provide smoking shelters when the ban comes into place which is seen as a
positive move by health conscious employers who do not wish to spend money giving
smokers a social area in which to congregate. If, however employers do wish to
provide outside smoking areas then they will need to ensure that it is not either
'enclosed' or 'substantially enclosed' or that the areas provided comply with the
new laws.

To help businesses, schools, pubs, restaurants or anyone else wishing to comply with
this new legislation, online office supplies store Officeprofiles offer a selection
of commercial ashtrays and UK compliant no-smoking signs that are available on a
next working day basis.



Web Site = http://www.officeprofiles.co.uk

Contact Details = Officeprofiles
3A Eagle Rd, Quarry Hill industrial Estate
Ilkeston
Derbyshire
DE7 4RB