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Get ready to kick the habit

Smoking ban draws near - LifeWorks can help your employees

The government's move to ban smoking in enclosed public places will be enforced in England from 1 July 2007. From then on it will become illegal to light up in virtually all enclosed public places. This includes offices, factories, pubs and bars, and even company cars. Thankfully for nicotine dependents, the ban excludes smoking in the outdoors or lighting up in private homes.

Cut-off dates

The smoking ban will be enforced from the following dates, depending on your location:

• England – July 1, 2007
• Northern Ireland – April 30, 2007
• Wales – April 2, 2007
• Scotland – March 2006

Where will you be allowed to smoke?

You will still be allowed to light up if you’re outdoors, at home or in a place normally considered to be a 'home' – this includes care homes, hotels and prisons. But not all outdoor locations are exempt from the ban. You may still be banned from smoking at certain types of outdoor locations, like football grounds and railway platforms.

Tempted to light up anyway?

From the dates in question, smokers will be forced to exercise restraint, or it could cost them dearly. Those caught smoking in a banned area could be fined £50. And smoking is not likely to be overlooked by the friendly owner of the local, either. Those in charge of the premises could face a £2,500 fine if they don’t stop you from lighting up. They could also be charged on-the-spot fines of £200 if they fail to display no-smoking signs, with the penalty increasing to £1,000 if the issue goes to court.

Gearing up to quit?

If you’re thinking about stopping smoking, knowing what to expect and being prepared is half the battle won. There isn’t one correct way to give up – you need to find the solution that works for you – but like with other stressful situations, everything’s easier if you’re prepared.

Ceridian’s EAP, LifeWorks, offers some valuable advice on how to give up for good. Here is what LifeWorks suggests:

• Decide positively that you want to quit. Try to avoid negative thoughts about how difficult it might be.
• Develop strong personal reasons in addition to your health and obligations to others. For example, think of all the financial costs of smoking or how you feel about the smell of stale smoke.
• Set a target date for quitting – perhaps a special day such as your birthday or your anniversary. Try to choose a day that will help you. For example, if you smoke heavily at work, the Monday prior to a stressful week may not be a good time.

Need advice?

In the run-up to 1 July 2007, LifeWorks is rallying to the support of smokers who may be thinking of quitting, with helpful information on topics like:

• Getting extra help to give up smoking,
• Supporting someone else giving up,
• Your “Giving Up Smoking” day, 
• How to manage cravings and addictions.

Sound like advice that could help you or your team? Contact us for more information on our LifeWorks programme.