From 6am on the 1 July 2007 the vast majority of enclosed and substantially enclosed workplaces and public places became smokefree. This included Pubs, restaurants, shopping centres and public building like the civic centre and also included public vehicles (buses, taxis and trains) along with work vehicles.

The response from the public and businesses has been overwhelmingly positive. Our Environmental Health team has been playing a key role before and after the introduction of the legislation both at local level and in partnership with other Councils across Kent. Many businesses took advantage of the free advice and information available from us and from the Smokefree England website which provided free signage and information. Signage can no longer be ordered free from the website although it is still possible to download signage and guidance.

The Civic Centre went smokefree on the 31 May and the previously used ‘smoking room’ has been decommissioned and converted to an e-learning centre/internet café for the benefit of staff. A five-metre smoke-free zone was also established around council buildings with new ash bins provided, reflecting the legislation.

The smokefree initiative has been described as the biggest change of public health legislation in the last 50 years, and brings England in line with Scotland and Ireland, who had previously implemented smokefree legislation. Northern Ireland and Wales became smoke free in April 2007.

How We Can Help

Should you need information beyond what is available at the Smokefree England website then contact our environmental health team who continue to provide advice and support for affected businesses. Email the Team or telephone 01233 330517 or 01233 330319.

For more information on the smoke free legislation visit the Smokefree England website or call 0800 169 1697. To find out how the NHS can help you stop call 0800 849 4444.