Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are you ready for the smoking ban?

Q. When does the smoking ban come into force in England?
A. It's official from Summer 2007. It will be illegal in England for anyone to smoke in enclosed public spaces. The ban is already in place in Scotland and Ireland. For more info on the current legislation in Scotland please click here.

Q. How will the law affect you businesses?
A. No one will be allowed to smoke in enclosed areas of your premises. This includes employers, employees and your customers.

Q. Do you have to provide Smoking shelters and or external ashtrays?
A. You are not obliged by law to provide a smoking area but we have to face facts that not all smokers will give up just because there is a ban.

Q. What will happen if we don't provide anywhere?
A. Local councils are already implementing fines of £2,500 to organizations and £50 to individuals if anyone is caught smoking on your premises.

Q. Can our employees smoke outside the building?
A. It is widely expected that the new law will ban smoking outside the entrances to businesses because non-smokers have to pass. Therefore, why not supply a safe and hygienic environment for employees and customers to smoke in comfort sheltered from the elements. It makes sense to keep your employees happy.

Q. What Constitutes a 'conforming' Smoking Shelter?
A. A conforming smoking shelter must not be "wholly or substantially enclosed" Ie. A structure with a roof must not have walls totaling more than 50% of its total perimeter. For a pdf containing more info on signage and shelters please click here .

Why provide cycle shelters?

Q. Why provide cycle shelters?
A. Uk travel patterns are changing and cycling is becoming a major part of our transport infrastructure. This means there has never been a more important time than now to provide secure storage facilities. See the Ace range of Cycle Shelters and Cycle Stands.

Q. Are there any grants available for cycle shelters?
A. Yes, The department of education and the department of transport are jointly giving Grants to every English state school that implements a "School Travel Plan". See the Ace range of Cycle Shelters and Stands.

Q. What can the grants be used for?
A. The grants can be used to help with the funding of equipment such as secure cycle storage for pupils and staff, and all weather shelters for parents. For more info on cycle travel plans for parents, pupils and staff please click here