Smoke-Free Workplaces in Bolton

Smoke-Free Legislation

As part of a multi-stranded approach to protecting and improving health, the government introduced smokefree legislation in July 2007

This brings England into line with other parts of the UK who already have or plan to implement Smoke-free Laws

• Scotland went smoke-free in March 2006
• Northern Ireland have legislation commencing April 2007
• Wales - likely to introduce legislation in summer 2007

Smoke-free Legislation is NOT a ban on Smoking it is being introduced so that smokers, most of whom know and accept the risk to their own health that their habit poses, will begin to consider the effects of their habit on the health and well being of other people around them, particularly people who have chosen not to smoke. It places a responsibility with employers to protect staff from exposure to second hand smoke which is a proven health risk. Furthermore many enclosed public places will also be covered by the change in law and this will have the added benefit of providing many more smoke-free environments, hopefully lessening the likelihood of involuntary exposure for children, young people, pregnant women and other high risk groups.