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Smoke Free Legislation
SMOKE FREE LEGISLATION
Northern Ireland has been smoke free since the introduction of The Smoke Free (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 on 30 April 2007. It is against the law to smoke in most indoor places other than your own private home.
This includes:
- Places of work eg offices, factories, bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Places used by members of the public, eg shopping centres, church halls, community halls, communal areas in housing association premises, bus shelters and health centres
- Work Vehicles used by more than one person (even if they do so at different times) e.g. cars, lorries and vans
- Vehicles used to transport members of the public (even if they don't pay to use them) e.g. buses, taxis, trains and minibuses.
Who enforces the law?
The Smoke Free (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 is enforced by your Local Authority.
How does this affect me?
There are no exceptions - No one can smoke in a smoke-free premises or vehicle.
If you own or manage a smoke-free premises or vehicle you need to ensure that people do not smoke there you also need to display "No Smoking" signs.
What happens if you break the Law?
If you break the law by smoking in a smoke-free place, you may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice or be liable for prosecution.
If you own or manage a smoke-free premises or vehicle and you allow someone to smoke there, you may be prosecuted.
Complaints regarding people smoking in areas where it is now against the law to smoke can be made to the Environmental Health Service Unit on 028 9049 4640.
For further information visit www.spacetobreathe.org.uk
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