Smoke-free (Signs) Regulations 2007 (as amended 2012)
SI 2007/923, SI 2012/1536•Status:CurrentAt a Glance
- Date Enacted
- 1 April 2007
- Enforcing Body
- Local Authorities (Environmental Health Officers)
- Maximum Penalty
- £1,000 (for failing to display required signage)
- Jurisdiction
- England
- Citation
- SI 2007/923, SI 2012/1536
- Status
- Current
What This Means for You
The Smoke-free (Signs) Regulations 2007 (SI 2007/923), as amended by the Smoke-free (Signs) Amendment Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/1536), mandate the display of specific signage in premises and vehicles that are legally required to be smoke-free. The primary purpose of this legislation is to ensure public awareness and compliance with smoke-free laws, contributing to improved public health by reducing exposure to second-hand smoke. The scope of the regulations covers a wide range of enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces, including but not limited to offices, factories, pubs, restaurants, and public transport. The regulations impact workplace safety signage by imposing a legal obligation on those responsible for these premises and vehicles to prominently display 'No Smoking' signs that meet specific size, content, and placement requirements. Failure to comply can result in fixed penalty notices and potential prosecution. The 2012 amendment clarified and strengthened certain aspects of the original regulations, particularly concerning vehicles.
Key Provisions
Regulation 2Premises signsAt least one legible no-smoking sign required
At least one legible no-smoking sign required
Regulation 2 - Premises signs
At least one legible no-smoking sign required
Regulation 3Vehicle signsNo-smoking symbol at least 70mm diameter
No-smoking symbol at least 70mm diameter
Regulation 3 - Vehicle signs
No-smoking symbol at least 70mm diameter
Signage Requirements
- Display 'No Smoking' signs in a prominent position in all smoke-free premises and vehicles.
- Signs must be of a specified size, depending on the size and nature of the premises or vehicle.
- Signs must include the international 'No Smoking' symbol (a cigarette with a red line through it).
- Signs must state clearly that smoking is prohibited.
- In vehicles, at least one 'No Smoking' sign must be visible from the exterior of the vehicle.
- Signs must be easily readable and understandable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failure to display any 'No Smoking' signs.
- Displaying signs that are too small or not prominently positioned.
- Using signs that do not conform to the specified design (e.g., missing the international symbol).
- Signs being obscured or damaged, rendering them illegible.
- Not displaying required signage in company vehicles.
Practical Next Steps
- 1Conduct a risk assessment to determine the optimal placement and size of 'No Smoking' signs throughout the premises.
- 2Regularly inspect signage to ensure it is clean, undamaged, and clearly visible.
- 3Provide training to staff on the smoke-free policy and the importance of signage compliance.
- 4Keep records of signage inspections and maintenance.
- 5Ensure that all company vehicles are equipped with the appropriate 'No Smoking' signage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I need to display 'No Smoking' signs?
What happens if I don't display the required signs?
What size should my 'No Smoking' signs be?
Official Resources
Related Regulations
Safety Signs Regulations 1996
Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
The core signage regulation. Requires employers to provide safety signs where risks cannot be avoided or controlled by other means.
L64Safety Signs and SignalsView Full DetailsFire Safety Order 2005
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Primary fire safety legislation for non-domestic premises. Requires fire safety signs for escape routes and equipment.
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Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Post-Grenfell regulations requiring wayfinding signage in high-rise residential buildings.
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Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (retained EU law)
UK's implementation of the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for chemical classification and labelling.
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