Many enclosed or partially enclosed, public buildings, workplaces and all public transport and work vehicles became smoke-free zones in England on 1 July, when the Health Act 2006 became law; these rules also apply to council properties and other rented accommodation, as detailed below.

Council properties where there are enclosed communal areas or common rooms, such as those found in sheltered housing schemes, have to comply with the new smoke-free laws and no smoking signs will be displayed in all affected areas.

Q: Does this mean I or my family and visitors can’t smoke in my own home or garden?

A: No. The areas of your home and garden that are private to you are not affected although we would ask that you don’t smoke when our staff or contractors visit you at home.

Q: I thought this new law only applied to business premises, shops, public building and workplaces?

A: It does apply to all these but also includes enclosed or part-enclosed communal areas of council-owned properties.

Q: What does ‘enclosed communal area’ mean?

A: The common parts of flats used by more than one resident, eg, entrance lobbies to blocks of flats, enclosed staircases and shared covered balconies and walkways. Sheltered housing schemes have common rooms where residents meet together for social events or meetings and these must be smoke free.

Q: We have a communal garden can I smoke there?

A: Yes. The law only applies to enclosed or partly enclosed premises.

Q: How will this new law be enforced?

A: Bury council’s regulatory service will enforce the law and penalties can include ‘on the spot’ fines.

Q: How can I find out more?

A: Log on to www.smokefreeengland.co.uk or contact Bury Environmental Health Team, Textile Hall, Manchester Road, Bury, BL9 0DG

Phone: 0161 253 5566 
Email: environmentalhealth@bury.gov.uk