The Smoke-Free (Signs) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations.)

These Regulations are made under powers contained in the Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, and contain requirements which relate to the display of no-smoking signs in smoke-free premises and vehicles.

Regulation 2 contains requirements for no-smoking signs in smoke-free premises. Paragraphs (1) and (2) require a no-smoking sign which consists of the no-smoking symbol and words which state that it is against the law to smoke in the premises. That sign is required at all entrances to smoke-free premises except those at which the no-smoking symbol alone may be displayed under paragraphs (3) and (4). The exception applies to entrances to smoke-free premises from other smoke-free premises and to secondary entrances to smoke-free premises which are used only by persons who work in them. The words “no-smoking symbol” are defined in regulation 1(2).

Regulation 3 contains requirements for no-smoking signs in vehicles. By paragraph (1) any person with management responsibilities for a smoke-free vehicle must display a no-smoking sign in each compartment of his vehicle. Paragraph (2) defines “compartment” to include each part of a vehicle used to accommodate persons which has a roof; “no-smoking sign” as a sign which displays the no-smoking symbol and “roof” to include retractable roofs, except for fully stowed retractable roofs on vehicles which are engaged in conveying people.

These Regulations were notified in draft to the European Commission in accordance with Article 8 of the European Parliament and Council Directive 98/34/EC laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations and of rules on information society services (O.J No. L204, 21.7 1998, p. 37), as amended by the European Parliament and Council Directive 98/48/EC (O.J No. L217, 5.8 1998, p. 18).