Q. What will happen if I allow people to smoke on my premises after that time?
A. Legal action may be taken against employers who allow smoking on their premises or who do not display correct signage and against anyone who smokes in a smoke free place or who obstructs an officer who is trying to ensure compliance.
Remember - the law will apply even when the business is closed.
Q. How will my business be affected by going smoke free?
A. The experience in Scotland and Ireland is generally positive. Remember that all businesses will have to go smoke free. Businesses which have already gone smoke free have noticed a neutral or positive impact on sales.
Other advantages are:
- The risk of fire will be reduced. Smoking material that has not been properly extinguished accounts for a large number of fires in businesses that allow smoking. Smoke free businesses reduce that risk considerably.
- Cleaning costs are lowered. Smoke causes a lot of damage to furniture and surroundings. Staining from the smoke can take a lot of effort and money to remove. Those businesses that have already gone smoke free have found that their cleaning costs reduce by about 50%.
- Help for yourself and/or your employees to stop smoking. 7 out of 10 smokers would like to quit and a smoke free environment will give them a greater chance of success. The Smoking Cessation Service will provide help and support to those who choose to stop smoking. Contact details are in this pack or phone 0500 STOP NOW (0500 7867 669).
- Employees will be healthier, particularly those affected by second hand smoke. Smokers and those exposed to second hand smoke are more at risk from serious illnesses and infections such as colds and flu and have been shown to have more time off work.
Q. Where can I get help to go smoke free?
A. If you need advice about how to make your business smoke free please contact Rosemary Lee or Julie Searing on 01942 828142, or you can email your enquiryto smokefree@wigan.gov.uk.
