Going Smoke-Free in Guernsey - general information

Going Smoke-Free in Guernsey

From Sunday 2 July 2006 everyone in Guernsey will have the right to work and socialise in a smoke-free environment. 

From this date you will be protected by law from the harmful effects of passive smoking.  These include increased risk of lung cancer, heart disease and a variety of children’s illnesses. 

What the law means

On the 2nd of July 2006 it will be illegal to smoke in most indoor places other than private homes.  This includes restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, church halls, sports centres, shops, schools and all clubs. 

The law also covers all shared workplaces, including lorries and vans.  Smoking indoors at work will no longer be allowed, including in any existing designated smoking rooms or areas.  So, unless you carry out your job in your own or someone else’s home, or in one of the few exempted premises smoking indoors will be against the law.  Employers can provide outdoor smoking shelters for their staff and customers provided they comply with the new law but they do not have to. 

What you can do

If someone is smoking in a no-smoking area and you want to report it you can bring it to the attention of the person in charge of the premises.  On licensed premises there will be no-smoking notices that will advise you who to speak to.  However if this does not resolve the problem, then you can call the Smoke-Free Action Line Tel: 707640 to register your complaint.  Environmental Health Officers will follow up any such complaints. 

Penalties for breaking the Law

Anyone who breaks the law, upon conviction, could be fined up to the maximum fine level 3 (currently £1000). 

For further information on the Law

To discuss any aspect of the law you may telephone the Office of Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation during normal office hours on 711161 where you may get further advice and information from an Environmental Health Officer.