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Small businesses to face confusion over smoking ban

Budget Van Insurance today warned of confusion ahead of legislation being introduced to make England smoke free on 1st July. The legislation to protect employees from passive smoking will make it an offence to smoke indoors in public places or at work. This extends to vans and other work vehicles regardless of business size. This applies if they are used by more than one person, even if drivers don’t use the vehicle at the same time.

Budget Van Insurance is concerned that businesses may not be aware of how the legislation will affect them - particularly smaller businesses and voluntary organisations that use vans or other vehicles in their day to day work.

The only exemptions will be for vehicles with a roof that can be removed or stowed away. Likewise, the law will apply to nearly all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places which will include temporary structures and shelters that have a roof and opening in the walls which is less than half the total area of the walls.

Matthew Gledhill, Managing Director, Budget Van Insurance says:
“We welcome the steps being taken by the Government to make our working environments safer; however we are concerned that small business owners may not be aware of their legal responsibilities under the legislation and unwittingly land themselves in hot water with the law.

“With on the spot fixed penalty fines starting from £30 through to fines awarded by the court as high as £2500 - we would urge businesses to do their research to ensure that their houses are in order well before 1st July.”

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