The smoking regulations which came into force in England on the 1st of July 2007 have now been largely accepted by the public and business community in York.

Smoking is illegal within public places and work places if these are wholly enclosed or substantially enclosed. The smoking law affects public premises including workplaces and work vehicles. The law applies to staff, customers and visitors and it is the legal responsibility of whoever controls or manages smoke-free premises and vehicles to prevent smoking in them.

The primary aim of the legislation is to protect third parties particularly workers and the general public from exposure to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. Exposure to and inhalation of second-hand smoke is a cause of cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease and other illnesses.  Second-hand smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals. Over 50 are known to cause cancer.

The available data indicates that York has experienced a relatively painless transition since the new law came into effect.  Smoke free public places and workplaces are now established and widely accepted by the majority of York residents and business community. This is in line with county wide statistics that indicate very high and increasing levels of compliance.  In the first four months of the legislation 32,450 premises and vehicles were inspected in Yorkshire and Humberside.  97.7% were identified as compliant under the no-smoking legislation.

The benefits experienced by the public and workers as a result of the smoke free legislation and most frequently mentioned include:

• Clothes and hair do not smell after a visit to or working in the the pub or club.
• More pleasant atmosphere in pubs and restaurants.
• Cleaner air.
• Better health.

Further information is available at the Smoke-free England web site. The web site can be accessed using the link to the right of the page.

Help for Smokers

The best way to protect your family and others from secondhand smoke is to give up smoking. Help is available for those wishing to stop free from the NHS Smoking Helpline:

• phone: 0800 169 0 169
• website: Smoke free England
• mobile: text "GIVE UP" and your full postcode to 88088
• in person: ask at your local GP practice, pharmacy or hospital.

Offences

*paid in 15 days

** paid in 29 days

City of York Council are committed to assisting businesses and residents of York comply with the legislation.  Free guidance and advice on a local level can be obtained by contacting the Smoke-free Enforcement Officer.  Contact details can be found to the right of the page.