April 2007

Download PDF

Download Word doc

Email

Print

Top tips for UK small businesses to prepare for smoking ban

SMALL BUSINESSES FACE GETTING BURNT WHEN SMOKING BAN KICKS IN

Businesses across England and Wales face hefty fines this year after smoking is banned in all public indoor spaces. New research from small business insurer MORE TH>N BUSINESS reveals that almost half (42 per cent) of the nation’s companies with fewer than 50 employees are not aware that they can be fined up to £2,500 for failing to comply with the new law. The ban, which will come into force between April and July, prohibits smoking inside offices, pubs, restaurants and “virtually every enclosed public place and workplace”.

The MORE TH>N BUSINESS research was commissioned to examine businesses’ attitudes towards the ban, and reveals a marked difference between micro- businesses (those with under 6 employees) and small businesses (those with over 5 but under 50 employees).

While one in six (16 per cent) small businesses acknowledge that employees breaking the new law will lead to a fine, only a tiny 6 per cent of micro-businesses agree. Almost half (47 per cent) of small companies believe the ban will have a negative impact on their business, whereas only one quarter of micro-businesses predict a negative effect.

When it comes to employees smoking, one in three small businesses (34 per cent) thinks the ban will lead to increased levels of stress amongst their staff who can’t smoke when they want to, compared to just one in seven (15 per cent) of micro-businesses. And a fifth (22 per cent) of small businesses think employees will take longer cigarette breaks because they have to leave the building, compared to just one in ten (9%) of micro-businesses; this could be a costly affair for the smallest businesses.

The insurer has also issued a stark warning to small business employers that if they fail to act on the ban now, they could be paying for it for years to come. Under the terms of the legislation, if employers do not take reasonable measures to ensure that their premises are smoke-free, they may be liable to future claims for employee ill health.

Commenting on the research, Mike Bowman, head of insurance at MORE TH>N BUSINESS, said: “Small businesses have the most to lose financially from the smoking ban. The findings of the research should serve as a reminder that they must act or face stiff financial penalties, both now and in the future. We are particularly surprised with the micro-business response. These businesses must remember that smoking, unlike other legislation, is something that is easy to spot. The smell is distinctive and cigarette butts are difficult to hide. The onus is now firmly on small businesses of every size to ensure their premises are smoke free.”

Gordon Timeline, business psychologist at Robertson Cooper Ltd, highlighted the impact of the smoking ban on employee well-being and productivity: “Although the long-term health benefits of restricted smoking are clear, many smokers will feel a loss of both control and of a short-term sedative. This can lead to an initial increase in stress levels and can impact productivity at work.

“To address this, employers need to recognise the additional stress this ban may place on some of their workers and address the key issues. For example, speaking to smokers in advance about the impact of the ban, and discussing how they can increase social interaction in place of the traditional ’smokers’ circle’. Ultimately, businesses need to emphasise positive well-being messages and be open to ways to engage their smokers.”

Top tips for businesses preparing for the ban:
1. Keep yourself informed about the ban and how you can comply. Up to date information can be obtained from:
- www.smokefreeengland.co.uk
- www.smokingbanwales.co.uk
2. Inform your staff and regular visitors that your premises will be smoke free from the date of the ban being imposed.
3. Prepare a no-smoking policy, in writing. The websites listed above give guidance on this.
4. Advise staff of the date of the ban and the consequences for you and them if they fail to comply.
5. Advise staff that smoking rooms in your premises will no longer be permitted by law and that in the future they will have to smoke outside.
6. Encourage smokers who want to give up by advising them that the NHS can provide free help and support. This can be obtained :
- by calling the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0 169 or
- from their Local NHS Stop Smoking Service by visiting www.gosmokefree.co.uk or texting “SMOKEFREE” and their postcode to find their local service
7. Obtain the specified ‘No Smoking’ signs for your buildings and business vehicles and arrange for them to be fitted in preparation for the ban.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE: WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?