Businesses are being told to wake up to what the smoking ban in England and Wales – due to come into force on 1st July – means for them and make preparations for its introduction.
A business advice survey from the Department of Health suggests that while three-quarters (75%) of businesses are aware of the impending change in the law, 15% do not realise it will mean they need to close the office smoking room and more than half (53%) are unaware that it also covers work vehicles.
Although half of businesses are currently ‘no smoking’ workplaces, even if they are already smokefree businesses will have to take to action by putting up no-smoking signs to meet the requirements of the new law.
Less than one in five (18%) firms is aware that they are not prepared and intends to take action before the new law comes into force, it added.
“The countdown is now well underway until England goes smokefree,” warned Caroline Flint, the government’s public health minister. “All businesses need to ensure that they know exactly what they need to do before the 1st July. Closing smoking rooms and making sure that everyone displays the correct signage will play a key part in the smooth introduction of this legislation,” she added.
The Forum of Private Business is also warning companies that they need to ensure the message about not smoking in the workplace gets through to both customers and staff through clearly displayed ‘no smoking’ signs and updating all business advice handbooks.
“If a customer is smoking, then there is the possibility that you may offend him/her and lose that person’s custom,” said Philip Moody, senior membership representative at the FPB. “But the consequence of inaction could be a costly fine, so a diplomatic approach must be taken.
“Staff need to know that they, as well as the company, are at risk of a fine. Employees could face a fixed penalty notice of £50 or be fined up to £200 in court,” he warned. “If it is on paper, as part of business advice policy, then it is clear that a breach of the rules will lead to disciplinary action.”
According to Ben Wilmott, a business advice representative at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the smoking ban is an opportunity for companies and business startups to consider healthier alternatives that could also improve morale in the workplace.
“If a business has a smoking room, this is a good opportunity to work with staff to ask them what they would like to see the room used for in the future,” he said. “Having a space which all staff can relax in and enjoy can have a very positive impact on a business, staff morale and productivity.”