Goldsmiths - University of London

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Health and Safety

Guidance on the Goldsmiths Smoke-Free Policy

See Goldsmiths Smoke-free Policy.

Where does the Policy apply?

From 1 July 2007, it is illegal to smoke in 'enclosed' and 'substantially enclosed' public places and workplaces.  The law applies to permanent structures and to temporary ones such as tents and marquees:

  • Enclosed - having a ceiling or roof and (except for doors, windows or passageways) are wholly enclosed;
  • Substantially enclosed - having an opening in the walls which is less than half the total area of the walls.  The area of the opening does not include doors, windows or any other fittings that can be opened or shut.

This legal definition covers all of Goldsmiths buildings, including bars and rest rooms.
 
The law also requires vehicles to be smoke-free at all times if they are used:

  • to transport members of the public;
  • in the course of paid or voluntary work by more than one person, regardless of whether they are in the vehicle at the same time.

Vehicles that are used primarily for private purposes are not required to be smoke-free.  So Goldsmiths own or hired vans, minibuses etc must be smoke-free, but vehicles belonging to staff need not be.

Where is smoking allowed?

It is not illegal to smoke in the street, but please be considerate to other people.  Don't smoke close to windows or doorways. Make sure that cigarettes are extinguished before disposing of them and use butt bins where provided.

The law allows a limited exemption for performers: 'Where the artistic integrity of a performance makes it appropriate for a person who is taking part in that performance to smoke, the part of the premises in which that person performs [e.g. theatre] is not smoke-free in relation to that person during his performance'.  This exemption does not allow smoking during rehearsals or by other actors or by the audience.

Smokers who ignore the law risk fines of up to £200.  Also, contravention of Goldsmiths Policies and Regulations can result in disciplinary action.

Want help to give up smoking?

The NHS offers a range of free services to help smokers give up.  Visit www.gosmokefree.co.uk or call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0 169 for details of help available.  Alternatively you can text 'GIVE UP' and your full postcode to 88088 to find your local NHS Stop Smoking Service.