Smoke Free (Premises & Vehicles) Policy 2026-2029

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Statement

Carmarthenshire County Council will:

  • Encourage employees, members and service users to stop smoking and vaping, and provide practical help and support via our Occupational Health Centre and the Help Me Quit Service.

  • Prohibit smoking and use of E-cigarettes/vapes

    • in all enclosed and substantially enclosed workplaces and premises owned or occupied by the County Council, including offices, schools, communal areas of sheltered housing schemes, rest rooms, canteens, theatres, libraries, community facilities, public toilets, museums, kiosks, markets, restaurants, cafes, members rooms, sports and leisure facilities, bus stations, day centres, and commercial premises leased or hired to third parties, etc.

    • in all enclosed and substantially enclosed premises used to provide the services or activities of the County Council, including those owned, operated by or shared with others, such as offices, day services, conference centres and training venues, etc.

    • in all vehicles used for work purposes or the provision of services including vans, buses, mobile libraries, and cars (including own cars during business time). Employees and others (e.g. volunteers, contractors) using vehicles in connection with the provision of services shall ensure the vehicles are smoke-free whilst they are used for these purposes.

    • within the grounds of premises owned or occupied by the County Council, including car parks associated with our administrative and commercial buildings, gardens, playgrounds, sports grounds and other external areas, etc.

  • Not permit employees to smoke during working time with the requirements of the smoking policy.

  • Not permit the charging of E-cigarettes/vapes in any Carmarthenshire County Council premises, including vehicles.

  • Not permit smoking near doorways, open windows or close to ventilation systems where smoke could re-enter Council or neighbouring buildings and expose others to second-hand smoke.

  • Not create a nuisance to neighbouring premises, members of the public, or colleagues.

  • Not provide facilities for smokers, such as shelters or smoking rooms, either inside or outside, including doorways and immediate vicinities of any Council premises (except for the exemptions detailed above).

  • Provide signage:

    • at all entrances to our premises, including at entrances to grounds, which informs everyone that they are smoke free, and that smoking is prohibited. This signage shall comply with the requirements of the Smoke-free Premises and Vehicles (Wales) Regulations 2020, and the Smoke Free (Signs) Regulations 2012, and any associated guidance.

    • in all of our vehicles, including those leased or hired to others, which informs everyone that they are smoke free, and smoking is prohibited. This signage shall comply with the requirements of the Smoke-free Premises and Vehicles (Wales) Regulations 2020, and any associated guidance.

    • Prohibit the selling or promoting of tobacco products in premises owned or occupied by the County Council.

    • Cooperate with other employers, contractors or voluntary organisations to ensure compliance with this policy and any risks associated with second-hand tobacco smoke are minimised.

  • Act as an exemplar employer and role model for other employers within Carmarthenshire in relation to non-smoking and the provision of smoke free workplaces.

  • Periodically monitor, review and improve (when necessary) the delivery of this policy to ensure that it remains effective, and that we continue to comply with associated legal requirements and/or relevant management standards.