Tobacco use has been part of human activity since the ceremonial rituals of Native American Culture. Since then, its uses have simply been adapted, until the invention of the tobacco cigarette.
The modern history of smoking has so far seen many changes, with the latest change in its social standing being the introduction of e-cigarettes (also known as vapes). With this in mind, what is the current regulation on smoking in public? What signs do you need for no smoking areas? Below, we explain everything you need to know.
What is the Purpose of No Smoking Sign?
No smoking signs are signs showing that smoking is not allowed in that area. They are usually depicted by a black pictogram of a cigarette with a white background, surrounded by a red circle with a red diagonal line running through it.
Many establishments and workplaces choose to use no smoking signs to remind people not to smoke, as it is illegal to smoke in almost all public and private indoor places.
Smoking Signs for Designated Smoking Areas
If your establishment or workplace has a designated smoking area, you might opt for slightly different signage. For example, instead of ‘no smoking’ signs, you could put up signage that states ‘no smoking except in designated areas’. This lets people know that should they want to smoke or vape, there is an area where they can do so.
You may also choose to signpost the smoking area itself so that it’s clear to employees/guests that they have found the correct area for smoking or vaping.
Smoking areas should not be accessible to minors, nor should any non-smokers who choose to be in the smoking area be able to submit a complaint about smokers in the smoking area.
No Smoking Sign Requirements
The UK government have stated that since October 2012, all non-smoking buildings must display at least one legible no smoking sign. However, owners and managers are free to decide the exact size, design, and location of this sign.
Do No Smoking Signs Apply to Vaping?
E-cigarettes, or vapes, have become a common alternative to smoking. In the UK, there are not currently any legal restrictions on vaping in public areas. However, many establishments have put their own rules on the topic in place.
While it’s not illegal to vape in public places, it’s still polite to be cautious of other people around you when vaping, and not blowing the vapour in their faces.
Are No Vaping Signs Legally Enforceable?
Although you might want to put up no vaping signs in your workplace or establishment, it’s important to know that these are not legally enforceable. You can put them up to ask people not to vape, but only no smoking signs are enforceable by law, and these do not apply to vapes.
Are Vaping Areas and Smoking Areas the Same?
Most establishments will recommend that if you want to vape, you do so in the designated smoking area. However, be mindful that many people use vapes as a way to quit smoking, so where possible you should still keep your distance where possible in a smoking area.
Stay Safe with Label Source
At Label Source, we have a range of no smoking signs available that you can use to mark where people can and can’t smoke or vape in your establishment.
In fact, we have safety signs and labels for all occasions. Make your establishment as safe as possible with Label Source’s products, and by keeping up to date with the latest health and safety news on our blog.
