As you’re most likely aware, it is now illegal to smoke indoors. As of July 2007, you cannot smoke in substantially enclosed or public enclosed areas.
But does a covered walkway count as being indoors or outdoors? Well, many smoking shelters are essentially covered walkways, and as long as at least half of the perimeter underneath the roof is open outdoor space, is it legal to smoke there. As the law references, this means that the area Is not substantially enclosed, making it perfectly acceptable for smoking purposes. So essentially, the walkway needs to only have two walls, as opposed to four. You should be aware, however, that passageways, windows, and doors are not considered openings.
Penalties
It’s in your best interest to smoke only where it is legal, as you can be penalised or fined. Smoking at work will result in a £50 fine, while not maintaining a smoke-free place as the owner will invoke a charge of £2500.
Smoking shelters
To ensure that it is legal to smoke in your covered walkway, you may decide to invest in a smoking shelter, which is a variation of the same thing. As an employer, you may wish to consider this so that your employees can smoke in a safe and legal place, as according to the smoking legislation, it is your job to take the appropriate steps to uphold the indoor smoking ban. Smoking canopies can be easily installed far away from, or close to your building depending on your choice. Whether you personally smoke or not, it’s a good way to show your employees that you value their choices. On the other hand, you’re demonstrating to anyone who doesn’t smoke that you’re taking action to ensure that they’re not being affected second hand.
Benefits of smoking canopies
As it is illegal to smoke indoors, without a smoking canopy, you may find that people are always congregating in entrances and doorways so that they can smoke. However, this can sometimes take place near eating areas or fire points, which should be avoided if possible. Luckily, legal smoking canopies can be installed in most areas and can be either small or large.
Once the weather gets colder – something that is very typical in the UK – people start becoming more and more reluctant to go outdoors to smoke. A smoking shelter is a perfect compromise, as it is undercover to some extent.
You can also install a smoking canopy that matches your branding if you’re a business owner, giving you an extremely professional look while also proving that you comply with the law and care about your employees. It also ensures that your smoking shelter will look seamless and not at all out of place.
If you’re looking to install a covered walkway that can be legally smoked in, Shelter Solutions can help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for guidance. We will ensure that your shelter abides by smoking regulations.