Havant Borough Council and the Havant Smokefree Action Group are committed to reducing the number of people smoking in the Borough and supporting residents by helping to find the most suitable way for you to give up smoking.
Statistics show that you are four times more likely to give up smoking with the support of the Quit4Life team.
The Hampshire Quit4Life team offers stop smoking services throughout Havant Borough in community settings, making it easy for you to access their support. The Quit4Life team also offer support to GP Surgeries and local Pharmacies to ensure that you are able to find support in an environment which is comfortable to you.
Accessing the community based stop smoking sessions is free and you will have the opportunity to meet fellow quitters and speak with a trained smoking cessation advisor. Your personal advisor will also be able to inform you of how to receive your free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to help support you every step of the way.
To contact the Quit4Life stop smoking service and to find your nearest session please call 0845 602 4663 or Text QUIT to 60123.
To access the Quit4Life website log on to http://www.quit4life.nhs.uk/ to find out more.
On 1 July 2007, the new Smokefree law came into effect. This has an impact on all businesses and enclosed public places.
For help to stop smoking please visit the NHS Quit Today Website >>
Which places are affected?
As a business, what should I do to stay legal?
Can I smoke in my work van?
What about public transport?
What about my home?
What about places where people live AND work
Can I smoke in my room if I go to a hotel or bed and breakfast?
What happens if the law is not followed?
What is the Council doing to help local businesses?
Do I need Planning Permission for a smoking shelter?
Do I need Building Regulation approval for a smoking shelter?
Who can I speak to with my query on Smokefree?
Smokefree legislation affects all premises where the public has access, for example pubs, community centres, clubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, etc. It also impacts on places which:
Employers, managers and those in charge of smokefree premises and vehicles will need to:
If more than one person uses the vehicle, then the answer is 'No'. Where a vehicle is used as a workplace by more than one person, regardless of whether they are in the vehicle at the same time, it must be smokefree at all times. This is designed to protect shift and other workers using the same vehicle from the hazards of secondhand smoke.
All vehicles used for public transport, for example, buses, trains and taxis are smokefree under the new law.
Private dwellings are not affected by this legislation but employees who visit your home to provide services (such as plumbing and electrical work) are very likely to seek you cooperation for your home to be smokefree whilst they carry out their work.
Buildings which are used as a full time place of residence such as residential care homes may have designated rooms for smoking for the use of residents and their guests. These rooms must be used only for smoking and cannot also serve as TV or recreation rooms.
In cases where smoking cannot take place outside buildings for practical reasons, then designated smoking rooms/areas may be allowed. Exempted places include prisons and oil rigs.
Specific rooms may be designated as smoking rooms in premises providing accommodation, such as hotels, hostels and guesthouses. The rooms must be designated in writing by the person in charge of the premises and must be clearly marked that smoking is permitted.
The penalties for breaking the law are substantial
The Council is working with businesses, public sector bodies and community organisations to raise awareness of the new law.
The Government has produced an official guide which explains everything you need to know about the new law and what you will have to do to comply with it.
Additional guidance leaflets are also available for both businesses and individuals, along with supporting materials. These can be found on the website at http://www.smokefreeengland.co.uk/ (this is an external website)
Planning permission is likely to be required for any form of extension to commercial premises such as an awning or a free standing shelter.
If you are considering an extension, shelter or the use of an outdoor area, you must consider:
Building regulation approval is not likely to be needed if any form of shelter is detached from the main building and is less than 15 sqm in floor area.
This can go up to 30 sqm if it is not within 1m of the boundary or substantially constructed in non-combustible materials.
Please contact the Environmental Health Duty Officer for enquiries
Telephone: 02392 – 446654
Email: ehcommercial@havant.gov.uk