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Smokefree premises legislation

Virtually all indoor workplaces, work vehicles and public spaces in England have been smokefree since 1 July 2007. The legislation was introduced to protect employees and members of the public from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

We have adopted a light-touch approach to enforcing the legislation, however fines for non-compliance can be given for:

• Smoking in a smokefree building or car - a fixed penalty notice of up to £50 or a fine up to £200
• Failing to display correct smokefree signage - up to £1000 fine
• Failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree area - up to £2500 fine

Reporting smoking in a smokefree area 

Contact the district council using our online form or Tel: 01993 861060  

Signs for business premises

Businesses must display the correct 'No Smoking' signs in accordance with the new legislation.

No smoking signs must meet the following criteria:

• Signs for premises must be at least A5 in area (210mm x 148mm)
• The international 'No Smoking' symbol must appear (at least 70mm in diameter) on all signs

  You are free to design and print your own signs as long as they meet the above criteria. Signs can be personalised by changing the words 'these premises' to reflect the type of premises (e.g. 'this hotel' or 'this gym'). Some examples can be downloaded below and printed:

  • No Smoking sign (general)
  • No Smoking sign (doorway)
  • No Smoking sign (pub)
  • No Smoking sign (hotel)
  • No Smoking sign (symbol only) 

  [Please note, it is possible that your printer may resize these images. Please ensure that they meet the size criteria.]

More information

• Visit the Smokefree Oxfordshire website 

Download our fact sheets:

• Smoking legislation - General information about the rules
• Smoking shelters - Advice to employers who may wish to provide smoking shelters for employees or customers
• Taxis - Information about how the rules affect taxi companies 
• Designated smoking rooms - Conditions that must be met for designated smoking rooms
• FAQs - Frequently asked questions
• Compliance handbook for businesses

Giving up smoking

For advice on giving up smoking, every surgery and health centre in Oxfordshire has smoking cessation advisors trained by the Oxfordshire NHS Smoking Advice Service. Call 01865 226663 or visit the Smoke Free Oxfordshire website.

Contact us

If the fact sheets above do not answer your query, or if you would like further information, please make a:

• smokefree enquiry online or
• call 01993 861060

For specific advice about a planning issue, e.g. smoking shelters, please contact:

• Planning online or
• call 01993 861420

For general enquiries about the regulations, please call the free national advice line 0800 169 1697.

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Last reviewed 30 April 2012

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