Employers unclear over smoking ban rules
Broadview, a leading manufacturer and supplier of blinds and awnings, warns that it is critical that businesses start preparing now for the ban, which is due to come into force on Sunday 1st July.
Confusion centres on the provision of a smoking room within the workplace, which will be illegal under the ban. In 2006, research by Coroner found that 72% of respondents thought their business was already compliant with the forthcoming law, yet 48% said that they currently provided smoking areas for employees. This leaves 24% of employers believing they are compliant, when they are not.
Broadview will be on hand to offer free advice to businesses on how to prepare for the UK-wide smoking ban at the Hotel & Catering Show, taking place at the Bournemouth International Centre between Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th March 2007.
Managing director at Broadview, Mark Pratt, says: "Very few exemptions are proposed in the smoking ban. The new law will make it illegal to light up in public premises such as restaurants, bars and clubs, shopping centres and leisure centres, and employers who fail to comply could face huge fines. We recommend that businesses take proactive action and implement the smoking ban prior to 1st July by making provision for smokers outside. The leisure and hospitality industry should not fear the ban, but should look at ways to adapt any outside area with products such as awnings and parasols which will enable them to benefit from the ban."
Broadview have provided a checklist to help businesses prepare for the ban:
Clearly display no smoking signs so they are visible to all staff and customers
Develop a simple and concise smoke-free policy in consultation with staff and communicate this clearly
Remove all indoor smoking areas and ashtrays from premises
Take reasonable steps to ensure that staff and customers are aware that premises will legally be required to be smoke-free
Identify the outside areas where people can smoke
Make sure any outside smoking areas are not "enclosed" or "substantially enclosed" under the definitions that are set out in smoke-free regulations. Consider retractable awnings, parasols and low level pavement barrier screens
The smoking ban presents an opportunity for the hospitality industry to attract new customers. To ensure maximum customer satisfaction Broadview recommends that managers could introduce the following:
Introduce a varied and high-quality food menu
Provide comfortable external facilities
Take advantage of marketing support that is offered by suppliers
Provide drink and food offers or themed promotions
Add new events to add an extra 'wow' factor to the venue
Broadview provide a range of 'Alfresco' products which includes awnings, parasols with or without heaters, barrier screens and terrace frame awnings. For further information please contact Broadview on 01202 679012 or visit www.broadview-blinds.co.uk.
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