No-Smoking Legislation

The No-Smoking Premises Regulations 2007 came into effect on 30th March 2008. From this date it is an offence to smoke in most work and public places, which includes all Public Passenger Vehicles (PPV’s) and PPV (e.g. taxi) bases.

The law requires the owner/operator of no-smoking premises, and the driver of vehicles, to prevent or stop persons from smoking in the premises/vehicle, and also to display the required no-smoking notices so that they are clearly visible to all employees, customers and visitors.

Failure to comply may result in a prosecution for which the maximum penalty on summary conviction is £5,000.

All PPV Operators and Drivers should note that any offenders will also be subject to disciplinary procedures in accordance with the licensing policy of the RTLC.

What Public Passenger Vehicles must display

At least one no-smoking notice (see example) in each compartment, which displays the name and contact number of the person to whom a complaint may be made by any person who observes another person smoking in the no-smoking vehicle. The notice must:

  • Be at least A6 size
  • Bear the international no-smoking symbol of at least 70mm in diameter
  • Bear the wording “No-Smoking. Under the No-Smoking Premises Regulations 2007 it is an offence to smoke in these premises. Please notify complaints to………”
  • Bear the contact name and number of the owner/operator
  • Be positioned in a prominent place, e.g. near to the fare-meter, where it is visible to all passengers

Please note that a compartment is part of a vehicle which has been constructed or adapted to carry people. For example, the upstairs of a bus is classed as one compartment and the downstairs classed as a separate compartment, and a vehicle which has a divider screen fitted has two compartments, one in the front of the vehicle and one in the rear seating area.

Additional no-smoking notices are available for display which bear the international no-smoking symbol. You may wish to use these additional notices to reinforce the message that smoking is not permitted in the vehicle.

What PPV (e.g. taxi) Bases/Premises must display

At least one no-smoking notice (see example) in a prominent position at each public entrance.

The notice must:

  • Be at least A5 size
  • Bear the international no-smoking symbol of at least 70mm in diameter
  • Bear the wording “No-Smoking. It is an offence to smoke in these premises”

and

At least one no-smoking notice, (see example) displayed inside the premises that shall display the name and contact number of the person to whom a complaint may be made by any person who observes another person smoking in the no-smoking premises.

The notice must:

  • Be at least A5 size
  • Bear the international no-smoking symbol of at least 70mm in diameter
  • Bear the wording “No-Smoking. Under the No-Smoking Premises Regulations 2007 it is an offence to smoke in these premises. Please notify complaints to………”
  • Bear the contact name and number of the owner/operator

Further Information

Additional information on the no-smoking legislation, how to comply with the legislation, and free ‘No Smoking’ notices for PPV’s and premises, are available from:  Department of Local Government & the Environment, Murray House, Mount Havelock, Douglas or telephone +44 1624 685894

Additional information on where to obtain free ‘No Smoking’ notices, posters, advice, and information about the local stop smoking service “Quit4You” is available or telephone (01624) 642592

No Smoking notices for PPV's may also be obtained from the RTLC Office.