Smokefree England

Like it or not, England has followed the rest of the UK with a smoking ban, prohibiting smoking from all public indoor spaces. Here's how it will affect you.

The England smoking ban follows similar decisions made in several parts of Europe, the USA and Scotland, Wales and Ireland. If you're a smoker in protest over the ban, count your lucky stars you don't live in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, where the sale and use of tobacco is completely outlawed.

Where is smoking banned?

Smoking is banned in all indoor public places, making it illegal to smoke in virtually all 'enclosed' and 'substantially enclosed' public places and workplaces. Many places - such as cinemas and public transport - have rarely permitted smoking in recent years, so places like pubs, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and private members' clubs will now have the same rules. Many workplaces will also feel the change; staff smoking rooms and indoor smoking areas are no longer allowed, so anyone who wants to smoke during work hours has to go outside.

Where can I smoke?

You'll still be allowed to light up outdoors, in your home or places considered to be 'homes', such as prisons, care homes and hotels. Smoking could still be banned at certain outdoor locations that are 'substantially enclosed', such as football grounds and railway platforms.

Anyone in charge of a smokefree premises is legally obliged to display no-smoking signs so you shouldn't have difficulty deciding when you're allowed to spark up. The English law is enforced by local councils, so if you're unsure about what's allowed and what isn't contact your local council or phone the Smokefree Compliance Line on 0800 587 1667.

What will happen if I'm caught fag-in-hand?

If you're caught smoking in a banned area you could be fined £50 - up to £200 if it goes to court.

But who's really going to care if I light up a sneaky one?

Those in charge of the premises would be fools to let you get away with it, especially considering that they could face a £2,500 fine if they fail to stop you. They could also be charged on-the-spot fines of £200 if they fail to display no-smoking signs, with the penalty increasing to £1,000 if the issue goes to court.

I may as well give up then...

Many smokers are being encouraged to stub the fags out in line with England going smokefree so you'll find lots of NHS support available, from face-to-face services to treatments and helplines. Quitline is a UK charity that helps people stop smoking - check out its site especially for young people who want to quit or call the helpline on 0800 002200.