What does this mean? How will it affect smokers? Can you still smoke on company premises? Can you smoke outside still? These are all questions that are being asked.
As a smoker myself this new legislation will affect a small number of us at The Conference People. Currently we are permitted to smoke outside in our garden which usually turns into a “small office meeting” between Alex and myself.
On Sunday 1st July 2007, when the “Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations” come into force in England, all employers will have to provide smoke-free workplaces for employees. The ban on smoking covers premises that are ‘enclosed’ or ’substantially enclosed’ meaning you are no longer allowed to smoke under company signage, in company cars, doorways etc… It is however to be reviewed at the end of a three year period. http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=696
It has certainly made a difference in Scotland - I visited Edinburgh last Easter and was amazed at how well it had been excepted. I must admit the restarant and bars were cleaner and fresher. The streets you may think are littered with dog ends but this is certainly not the case.
Already many venues that we are working with are already non smoking particularly if they have recently been refurbished or are newly built. I first came across this at the new Hilton Manchester Deansgate - the venue is completely non smoking. This however has presented them with some initial problems I feel, the main hotel bar Cloud 23 is situated on the 23rd floor (obviously) and means that currently smokers have to get down from the 23rd floor to the courtyard at the front of the hotel to have a puff! The bar definately lost atmosphere because of a continual exodus of guests to get a fix! Cloud 23 provides guests fantastic views over Manchester and you are sure to bump into the cast of Coronation Street any night of the week! It is the perfect setting for an exclusive drinks reception or a product launch as being a new modern landmark provides something a bit different. http://www.hilton.co.uk/manchester
The legislation is “music to the ears” of the majority of people at The Conference People as they will not now be exposed to “my smoke” and also make our monthly outings alot more pleasant for all.
Penny, you didn’t say you were giving up!!!!! I’m sure you will now since you’ve been promising it for months.
Something to add. Our event management team at The Conference People are particularly relieved that at last England has caught up with the Scots. We’re often managing events in large restaurants as part of a conference programme and are subjected to the effects of passive smoking.
None of our event management team smoke, so we can’t wait until the July 1st law comes in.
I must admit I really notice particularly smokey places a lot more these days as there are so many non-smoking venues. I for one will be glad when the law comes in and as a non-smoker of course encourage smokers to give up at every opportunity (espcially my own brother!) However I can’t help feel sorry for those people who can’t give up or indeed don’t wish to! Can’t somebody come up with some futuristic alternative where smokers and non-smokers can stay in the same room without annoying each other and we can keep hold of Penny’s ‘lost atmosphere’ that is created in pubs, clubs or indeed that networking coffee break at our latest conference or meeting!
Come on Penny……… you can do it!! You gave up before and I’m confident you can do it again! Just think with all that money you could save, your next three holidays need not be self-catering!!!
No-Smoking Everywhere, bring it on! And we can all get back in the BINGO hall without choking!!!
As a smoker, obviously I am against the smoking ban, but I understand and appreciate why it has been introduced. There are approx 7.5 million smokers in the UK (just over 10% of the population) who are being demonised in the run up to the ban. I am a considerate smoker, I rarely smoke in restaurants, I always check that people are happy for me to smoke and if they’re unhappy I will move away or outside to smoke.
We smokers will accept and respect the ban, we have no choice.
However, has anyone in the event industry stopped and thought for one minute that this ban could actually cause us more work? If we are organising a dinner for say 300 guests, statistically 30-40 in the group will be smokers and they, like vegetarians, vegans, gluten free etc will need to be catered for. Will organisers insist on booking a venue that can offer an outdoor space for smokers? I believe they will and outdoor space in London (where 50% of our UK events are held) is not easy to find…this will create a great deal more work for our team…something to think about people.
Oh yes, and of course there are always those ‘non-smokers’ who are always ligging ciggies when they have had a few beers…you know who you are Mr W