Part 5: What signs have to be displayed?

A crucial part of the new regulations is the displaying of smokefree signs.

All smokefree premises and vehicles need to display no-smoking signs that meet the requirements of the laws. Such signs make it clear which premises and vehicles are smokefree and demonstrate that employers are taking the necessary steps.

Failure to display a smokefree sign in a way that is required can lead to a fixed penalty notice of £200 imposed on whoever manages or occupies the smokefree premises or vehicle, or a maximum fine of £1,000 if convicted by a court.

No-smoking signs must be displayed in a prominent position at every entrance to smokefree premises.

In England and Northern Ireland signs must be a minimum of A5 in area (210mm x 148mm) and must display the international no-smoking symbol at least 70mm in diameter - a graphic representation of a single burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle with a red bar across it.

This sign must also carry the following words in characters that can be easily read: "No smoking. It is against the law to smoke in these premises."

Businesses are free to personalise their signs by changing the words "these premises" to refer to the name or type of premises – such as "this shop", "this pub" or "this restaurant".

A smaller sign consisting of the international no-smoking symbol at least 70mm in diameter may be displayed at entrances to smokefree premises that are only used by members of staff, provided at least one A5 area sign is displayed within the premises.

In England, smokefree vehicles need to display a no-smoking sign in each compartment of the vehicle in which people can be carried. This must show the international no-smoking symbol at least 70mm in diameter.

In Scotland, signs for premises must be 160 x 230mm (slightly larger than A5) and must display the international 'no smoking' symbol at least 85mm diameter and state that the premises are no-smoking premises and it is an offence to smoke there or knowingly permit smoking there. The sign should also show the name of the person to whom a complaint may be made by anyone who observes someone smoking.

Also, there is no legal requirement on the size of signs in vehicles in Scotland, but there they must contain text along with the no smoking symbol, and must again also carry the details of an owner or manager to whom complaints about smoking can be addressed.

In Wales and Northern Ireland vehicles must display the international ‘no smoking’ symbol of at least 75mm in diameter.