By now you've probably heard that smoking will be banned in all public places from July 1. But did you know that, as well as in pubs and clubs, you won't be allowed to light up in communal areas outside your own home.
The Government ban covers all areas that are 'substantially enclosed' and are used by people from more than one house or flat, or are used as places of work, for example by cleaners or repairs staff. So, for example, lifts, entrance foyers, stairwells, corridors or any other shared areas, such as communal kitchens or laundries in sheltered accommodation will all be included. It's not just indoor areas that are affected, 'substantially enclosed' means outdoor areas such as roofed corridors. People living in flats and maisonettes will be most affected, but it also covers other types of property with communal areas, such as sheltered housing and temporary accommodation. So, even if you don't go to the pub or work in an office, if you live in accommodation with any shared areas, the ban will affect you and you need to know how you can stay within the law. Wandsworth Council will be putting up 'no smoking' signs in all the areas affected so tenants and leaseholders will have no excuse to break the law. If you are caught lighting up in a prohibited area, the matter will be referred to environmental services. You will be reminded that you are committing an offence and asked to stop. If you continue to flout the law, you may get a fixed penalty notice. From July 1 you won't be able to smoke in any communal areas. As a resident make sure you know how this ban could affect you. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions. Why is the smoking ban being brought in?
Three-quarters of the population do not smoke and evidence suggests that inhaling second-hand smoke can damage their health. Ventilation only removes the visible smoke, not the toxins and because second-hand smoke is largely invisible and odourless, premises can be smokier than they appear. Several countries, including New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, Ireland and parts of America have brought in similar laws, which are largely being obeyed. Will I be able to smoke in my own home?
Yes. Only communal areas are affected. It makes no difference if you rent your home or own it. But I have a carer who comes regularly. Does that mean I can't smoke at home?
No, the regulations will not affect workers in a private home if the work is to provide personal care or domestic help for someone living there (such as a care worker), or to maintain the property (such as a builder) or to install, maintain or remove a service (such as a delivery person or repair worker). However, the council would appreciate it if you refrain from smoking when staff visit (such as contractors carrying out repairs). What does 'substantially enclosed' mean?
Basically this means a public place that has a roof and walls on at least 50 per cent of its perimeter. For example, some covered bus stops and most shared balconies. This is quite complicated. The definition is an area with a ceiling or roof that is enclosed apart from openings which - not including doors and windows that can be opened, are less than half the area of its walls. But smoking isn't illegal. This is breaching my human rights!
Being naked isn't illegal, but it is not allowed in the middle of the Wandsworth Shopping Centre! Smoking in public places will be against the national law, so you will be committing an offence. Who's going to stop me smoking if I want to?
We can't patrol all properties 24 hours a day, but if you are spotted by housing management staff or another resident makes a complaint, we will be in touch. If you refuse to change your behaviour you could get a £50 fixed penalty notice. What do I do if I see someone ignoring the ban?
There are various things you can do. You can report it to your estate manager. You can call the council on (020) 8871 6000 or contact the smoke free hotline on 0800 587 1667 and your complaint will be passed onto Wandsworth Council. All complaints will be followed up. Could I be in breach of my tenancy or lease agreement if I'm caught smoking in a banned area?
Possibly. It will depend on the circumstances and the situation in individual cases. Where can I find out more?
Visit: www.smokefreeengland.co.uk Alternatively contact the council's smoke free advice line on:(020) 8871 5683 or email: esd@wandsworth.gov.uk 
How will I know if I'm in an banned area?
If the area is enclosed or substantially enclosed, and is used by people from more than one property it is included in the ban. There will be sign's like these, letting you know which parts are smoke free. I want to give up smoking! What help is available?
If you live in Wandsworth you can contact the local Stop Smoking Service on 0800 389 7921 You will be able to chat to an advisor, get one-to-one help, join a stop-smoking group or get some other form of support that suits you. |
