Since the 1 July 2007 virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England have been required to be smokefree. A smokefree England will ensure a healthier environment, so everyone can socialise, relax, travel, shop and work free from secondhand smoke.

The key points:

• Public transport and work vehicles used by more than one person will also need to be smokefree
• No-smoking signs will have to be displayed in all smokefree premises and vehicles
• Staff smoking rooms and indoor smoking areas will no longer be allowed, so anyone who wants to smoke will have to go outside
• Managers of smokefree premises and vehicles will have legal responsibilities to prevent people from smoking
• If you are uncertain where you can or can't smoke, just look for the no-smoking signs or ask someone in charge

If you don't comply with the new smokefree law, you will be committing a criminal offence. The fixed penalty notices and maximum fine for each offence are:

• Smoking in smokefree premises or work vehicles: a fixed penalty notice of £50 (reduced to £30 if paid in 15 days) imposed on the person smoking. Or a maximum fine of £200 if prosecuted and convicted by a court
• Failure to display no-smoking signs: a fixed penalty notice of £200 (reduced to £150 if paid in 15 days) imposed on whoever manages or occupies the smokefree premises or vehicle. Or a maximum fine of £1000 if prosecuted and convicted by a court
• Failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place: a maximum fine of £2500 imposed on whoever manages or controls the smokefree premises or vehicle if prosecuted and convicted by a court. There is no fixed penalty notice for this offence

Find out how the new legislation will affect you with the following downloads:

• Guidance for business compliance - a guide to the smokefree law for businesses
• How will the new smokefree law affect me - a guide for individuals
• Smokefree guidance for people visiting clients in their homes
• Smoking shelters - a guide for businesses thinking of putting up a shelter

Yes. See our exemptions page for further information.

There is a national helpline. You can call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0169. They have specialist advisers you can speak to and they can also put you in touch with local services to help you quit. Lines are open daily from 7am to 11pm.

You can also visit the go smokefree website which has an online resource for information to stop smoking and stay stopped.

You can report a problem online or contact our Environmental Health team using the details on this page..