What does the new smokefree legislation mean?

The new Smokefree legislation comes into effect on 1 July 2007 - from then, smoking will be banned in all workplaces and in enclosed public places.

Specifically, the law will apply to any area with a ceiling or roof that - except for doors, windows and passageways - is either wholly enclosed (whether permanently or temporarily); or is enclosed but for an opening that is less than half of the area of its walls.

While most people appreciate that the law will affect smokers in pubs and clubs, it also applies to:

• All business premises - including workshops, factories, shops and offices
• Indoor smoking rooms - these will be banned, and anyone wishing to smoke will have to go outside
• Any enclosed public place - shopping malls, covered footbridges etc
• All public service vehicles - buses, taxis etc
• All works vehicles used by more than one person in connection with their business or employment - pool cars, works vans etc
• Multi-occupied and shared housing

The new law aims to protect the general public from the harmful effects of passive smoking.

The new laws reduce the risks to health from exposure to passive smoking or secondhand smoking, both from the cigarettes themselves and from exhaled smoke.