What to include in your smokefree policy
Your policy should:
- be concise and simple to understand
- identify the members of management and staff who have responsibility for its implementation
- state the procedures to be followed in the event of non-compliance
- acknowledge the right of employees to work in a smokefree environment
- provide information on how to obtain help when quitting smoking
- be communicated to all staff and in particular to new and part-time staff before they start employment. Ideally, you should ask staff to sign a declaration that they have been informed of the policy
Template for a smokefree policy
You can use the wording below to create your smokefree policy:
Purpose
This policy has been developed to protect all employees, service users, customers and visitors from exposure to second-hand smoke and to assist compliance with the Restriction on Smoking (Amendment No 2) (Jersey) Law 2006 and the Restriction on Smoking (Workplaces) Regulations 2006.
Exposure to second-hand smoke, also known as passive smoking, increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. Ventilation or separating smokers and non-smokers within the same airspace does not stop potentially dangerous exposure.
Policy
It is the policy of [insert name of business] that all of our workplaces are smokefree and all employees have a right to work in a smokefree environment. The policy shall come into effect on [date] and be reviewed on [date] by [name].
Smoking is prohibited with no exceptions. This policy applies to all employees, consultants, contractors, customers or members and visitors. [If there are external areas where employees and customers can smoke, these should comply with the law and can be outlined here]
Implementation
Overall responsibility for policy implementation and review rests with [name (the manager or person in control of the premises)].
All staff are obliged to adhere to and facilitate the implementation of the policy.
The person named above shall inform all existing employees, consultants and contractors of the policy and their role in the implementation and monitoring of the policy. They will also have to give all new personnel a copy of the policy on recruitment / induction.
Where necessary, appropriate ‘No Smoking’ signs will be clearly displayed at the entrances to and within the premises.
Help to stop smoking
Support for smokers who want to stop is available. The Public Health Department operates a free service for smokers who wish to quit. To find out more call the Help2Quit service.
Non-compliance
Disciplinary procedures will be followed if a member of staff does not comply with this policy. The agreed policy should be followed if a customer or visitor does not comply. Those who do not comply with the smoking law are also liable to a fixed penalty fine.
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