Smoke free Fenland - supporting local businesses

Smoke free Fenland

Fenland District Council (FDC) is now a Smokefree employer. The Council has adopted a totally Smokefree policy at each of its premises across Fenland to protect Council employees and customers from the dangers of second-hand smoke.

The Council's Smokefree policy was put in place approximately 100 days ahead of the national Smokefree legislation, which requires all enclosed workplaces/businesses to be smoke free from 1st July 2007.

Supporting Smokefree businesses

FDC would like to help local businesses develop and implement their own Smokefree policies in order to comply with the new law. Jodie Crane has been appointed as the Council’s Smokefree Environment Advisor to support local businesses that will be affected by the new legislation. Jodie’s role is to support and advise businesses on what they must do to ensure they are operating within the Health Act 2006.

To learn more about the legislation and find details of staff at FDC that can provide advice concerning the regulations, licensing and planning issues follow the related link at the side of the page to our Smokefree Newsletter.

FDC has been awarded a Gold Standard National Clean Air Award in recognition of their commitment to providing a Smokefree environment for their customers and employees.

What is the National Clean Air Award?

The National Clean Air Award is an initiative set up by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation to reward employers who implement effective workplace Smokefree policies by giving them a prestigious nationally recognised award. Businesses have the opportunity to achieve either a Gold or a Silver Award.
In order to receive a Gold Award a workplace must be completely Smokefree and to receive a Silver Award the employer must provide external shelters for employees wishing to smoke. Smoking must be restricted to these external shelters.

FDC is also working closely with CAMQUIT, the local NHS Stop Smoking Service, to help and support staff that would like to quit smoking. For more information about the East Cambs and Fenland Stop Smoking Service visit the CAMQUIT website, see external links, or call 0800 018 4304.

Benefits of smoke free business

• Increased productivity - an average smoker may take six 10 minute breaks each day - that’s an hour per day and five hours per week of work lost
• Improved staff moral - non-smokers may resent the number of additional breaks that smokers take
• Fulfilment of health and safety regulations and reduced risk of litigation from non-smokers exposed to second hand smoke
• Reduced risk of fire damage and therefore reduced insurance premiums
• Reduced maintenance and cleaning costs
• Greater appeal to non-smoking customers - the majority of the population
• Increased income

For further information concerning the National Smokefree legislation, including signage enforcement and exemptions, visit the Smoke Free England website www.smokefreeengland.co.uk