- Home /
- FAQ /
- No-smoking signs
No-smoking signs
Are no-smoking signs required in all smokefree areas?
What signage do I need to display?
How can I get the right signage?
Can I print my own?
I need some more no-smoking signs for my business, can I download or order them from Smokefree England?
Do trains and trucks that travel between England and Scotland or England and Wales need two sets of signage?
Are no-smoking signs required in heritage buildings?
Are no-smoking signs required in all smokefree areas?
Yes. All smokefree public places, workplaces and vehicles are required to display no-smoking signs that meet the requirements that are set out in the Smoke-free (Signs) Regulations.
View the Smoke-free (Signs) Regulations (new window)
What signage do I need to display?
The smokefree law requires the display of no-smoking signs that meet minimum requirements in all smokefree premises and vehicles.
No-smoking signs in smokefree premises
No-smoking signs must be displayed in a prominent position at every entrance to smokefree premises. Signs must meet the following minimum requirements:
a. be a minimum of A5 in area (210mm x 148mm),
b. display the international no-smoking symbol, which consists solely of a graphic representation of a single burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle of at least 70mm in diameter with a red bar across it, and
c. carry the following words in characters that can be easily read:
"No smoking. It is against the law to smoke in these premises".
On the sign, the words "these premises" may be changed to refer to the particular premises where the sign is displayed, for example "this gym", "this salon" or "this restaurant".
A smaller sign consisting of the international no-smoking symbol at least 70mm in diameter may instead be displayed at entrances to smokefree premises that:
a. are only used by members of staff (providing the premises displays at least one A5 area sign with words, as set out above), or
b. are located within larger smokefree premises (for example, a shop within an indoor shopping centre).
No-smoking signs in smokefree vehicles
Smokefree vehicles must display a no-smoking sign in each compartment of the vehicle in which people can be carried. These no-smoking signs must display the international no-smoking symbol at least 70mm in diameter.
Click here to download further guidance and signage
View the Smokefree (Signs) Regulations (new window)
How can I get the right signage?
No-smoking signs that meet the minimum requirements of the law were sent to businesses as part of the guidance mailing in April. Additional signs can be downloaded and printed from this website.
Businesses can also produce their own signage as long as the signs meet the minimum requirements of the regulations.
Can I print my own?
Yes, the new law on signs has been drafted to provide flexibility and we encourage businesses to produce their own signs. Signs must meet the minimum requirements set out in the new law.
View the Smokefree (Signs) Regulations (new window)
I need some more no-smoking signs for my business, can I download or order them from Smokefree England?
You can download signs that meet the minimum requirements of the law from the link below.
Your local council may still stock some signs.
Find your local council here (new window).
Alternatively, you are free to produce your own signs as long as they meet the minimum requirements set out in the new law.
Do trains and trucks that travel between England and Scotland or England and Wales need two sets of signage?
Are no-smoking signs required in heritage buildings?
Any premises required to be smokefree will need to display no-smoking signs that meet the requirements of the new law prominently at entrances. The new law allows flexibility for signs to be designed and displayed in a way that fits the decor of the premises.
