All enclosed public places and workplaces in England became smokefree on 1 July 2007.

The law covers:

• all offices, factories and shops
• pubs, bars, restaurants and membership clubs
• the public areas of hotels, B&Bs and residential care homes
• taxis and public transport
• work vehicles that are used by more than one person

The law means that indoor smoking rooms, which were still common in workplaces, are no longer allowed, so anyone wishing to smoke has to go outside instead.

All smokefree premises and vehicles are required to display no-smoking signs - see What businesses need to do.

Enforcement

Environmental Health commercial and licensing staff are responsible for enforcing the legislation in Tendring.

Offences

Those who do not comply with the law are liable to a fine or prosecution for the offences of:

• Smoking in a smokefree place or vehicle
• Failing to display a no smoking sign
• Allowing smoking in a smokefree place or vehicle