An individual who smokes in a smokefree place can be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £30 (if paid in 15 days). 

In general the new law does not apply to private dwellings, but will apply to communal areas that are enclosed or substantially enclosed, such as communal stairwells or lifts, if they are open to members of the public or used as a place of work by people such as cleaners or security guards.



Any part of a private dwelling used solely for work purposes will be required to be smokefree if:

• It is used by more than one person who does not live at the dwelling.
• Members of the public attend to deliver or to receive goods and/or services.



Officers from the local councils throughout Surrey will work with businesses and local people to raise awareness and improve understanding of the legislation and ensure compliance.

Evidence from Ireland and Scotland has shown compliance to be high, which has resulted in the law being self-enforcing, with minimal requirement for enforcement action.

Local council officers will have the legal power to enter premises or board vehicles to determine if the new law is being upheld and will issue fixed penalty notices if necessary.

A telephone line (0800 587 1667) will also be in operation from 1 July 2007 to enable employees and members of the public to report possible breaches of the law. This information will be passed to local councils to follow-up as appropriate.

If you have any specific questions about how the new law will affect your business, please contact your local council.