Since U.K. smoking laws came into effect, authorities have seen a large decline in smokers in that kingdom. They reported that in the same year the ban went into force, 400,000 smokers quit the practice. Today, the ban is still in place and citizens living in the UK as well as visitors to the nation will do well to adhere to smoking guidelines laid down by the relevant authorities. Since there may be many people who do not know what the ban requires, here is a guide consisting of valuable information that persons can consult whether they are living in the kingdom or just visiting for vacation.
The ban started first in Scotland, then England, Wales and lastly in the region of Northern Ireland. Scotland was the first to implement the ban on March 26, 2006. England followed Scotland’s example on July 1, 2007. Wales passed her smoking laws on April 2, 2007. This left Northern Ireland to complete the circle and they did so on April 30, 2007.
Where are the places smoking is ban?
All public places must keep to the no smoking law. These include supermarkets, banks and other financial houses and work places (unless a person works by him or herself). In the past, cinemas and public transportation have hindered smoking by patrons, therefore, this practice still continues. Since the ban came into effect, pubs, private members club and night clubs are adhering to the rule by discouraging smoking in such places. Workers using a company vehicle must not smoke inside any of them, even if there is no one else inside at the time.
There should be no smoking taking place in certain outdoor sites such as any area that is enclosed. These areas include walkways that are covered and football grounds. Railway stations and platforms that carry no covering must also discourage smoking.
Where are the places a smoker can light up?
Smoking is permitted in a person’s private car; however, for a company car the individual will have to be alone before he or she can light up. While a smoker can smoke in his or her private car, proper care should be taken that the car does not get out of control when the practice is being indulged in. If this happens, then the driver is liable to face prosecution.
These places include private homes if the smoker is alone inside of a room at the time. Smokers are allowed to enjoy the practice in public homes such as hotels, prisons and care homes. However, people smoking in these places are often asked to use discretion.
Smokers that are caught smoking in a banned place are liable to pay a fine of 50 pounds if prosecuted. Owners of premises who fail to discourage a smoker from smoking on their property can pay up to a fine of 2,500 pounds. This fine makes it necessary for property owners to do everything in their power to hinder smoking on their premises. Those owners who do not install non-smoking signs can be forced to pay a fee of 200 pounds on the spot. Those owners who did not put up non-smoking signs and appear in court as a result can expect to pay 1000 pounds if the magistrate finds them guilty.
Since the ban on smoking has taken effect in all of the U.K. territories, people are saying that they are able to breathe a little more freely. With such smoking measures in force in the kingdom, the United Kingdom is becoming a better place to live in as well as to travel for vacation.