Your questions answered on the UK Smoking Ban

The UK smoking ban
Smoking is now banned in all public indoor spaces in the UK as from July 1st 2007. The UK smoking ban follows similar decisions made in several parts of Europe and the USA.

Where is smoking banned?
Smoking in all indoor public places is banned. Many places - such as cinemas and public transport - have rarely permitted smoking in recent years, and so it has been places like pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and private members' clubs that have feltthe biggest impact of the ban. No-smoking signs must be displayed in all smokefree premises.

Where are be able to smoke?
You are still allowed to light up outdoors, in the 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.

What happens if you get caught fag-in-hand?
Smokers lighting up in banned areasl face a fixed penalty notice of £50 and spot fines of £200 will be introduced for failing to display no-smoking signs, with the possible penalty if the issue goes to court increasing to £1,000. Caroline Flint, the Public Health Minister, also announced that the fine for failing to stop people smoking in banned areas would be increased to £2,500 — more than ten times the £200 originally proposed.

Do I have to display no-smoking signs?
No-smoking signs must be displayed in all smokefree premises. Failure to do so can result in a fixed penalty notice of £200 imposed on whoever manages or occupies the smokefree premises. A maximum fine of £1000 could be imposed if prosecuted and convicted by a court.