United Kingdom
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TOBACCO AND NICOTINE USE IN THE EU
The law of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The whole of the United Kingdom became subject to a ban on smoking in enclosed public places in 2007, when England became the final region to have the legislation come into effect. The age limit for buying tobacco was also raised from 16 to 18 on October 1, 2007. When Introduced in July 2007, the smoking ban it encompassed every enclosed and substantially enclosed public space in the country with the only exceptions being those spaces classed as peoples homes and the bar in the houses of parliament.
Northern Ireland’s smoke-free legislation came into effect on 30 April 2007. Smoking is no longer permitted in enclosed public places and work places, including bars and restaurants.
The Welsh government first voted in favor of a smoking ban in 2003 and the ban on smoking in enclosed public places was introduced on 2 April 2007, three months ahead of the ban in England. Smoking is now banned in most public places, including restaurants, pubs and bars.
It is illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under the age of 18.
The fixed penalty notices and maximum fine for each offence are:
- Smoking in smokefree premises or work vehicles: a fixed penalty notice of £50 (reduced to £30 if paid in 15 days) imposed on the person smoking. Or a maximum fine of £200 if prosecuted and convicted by a court. court.
- Failure to display no-smoking signs: a fixed penalty notice of £200 (reduced to £150 if paid in 15 days) imposed on whoever manages or occupies the smokefree premises or vehicle. Or a maximum fine of £1000 if prosecuted and convicted by a court.
- Failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place: a maximum fine of £2500 imposed on whoever manages or controls the smokefree premises or vehicle if prosecuted and convicted by a court. There is no fixed penalty notice for this offence.