The Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, No. 2957 (as amended)

The Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 is a piece of legislation enacted in Northern Ireland, aimed at regulating smoking in public places. Its primary purpose is to protect public health by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke and promoting a healthier environment.

The order establishes strict requirements regarding smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces. It prohibites smoking in various indoor areas, including pubs, restaurants, offices, and public transportation, among others. Additionally, it mandates the display of no-smoking signs in designated areas.

The Smoking Order 2006 applies to a wide range of establishments and public spaces. This includes all enclosed public places and workplaces, encompassing businesses, hospitality venues, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and public transport. The legislation aims to create a smoke-free environment for all individuals, whether they were employees, customers, or visitors to these premises.

Overall, the Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health by significantly restricting smoking in enclosed public places, ultimately benefiting the well-being of the population in Northern Ireland.

The Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 establishes specific evidence requirements to ensure compliance with the smoking regulations in Northern Ireland. These evidence requirements are crucial for enforcing the legislation effectively. Here is a summary of the key evidence requirements outlined in the order:

1. No-Smoking Signs: Establishments covered by the order are required to display prominent "no-smoking" signs at entrances and within the premises. These signs are to be clearly visible and easily recognisable to inform individuals that smoking was prohibited.
2. Designated Smoking Rooms: If an establishment choses to provide a designated smoking room, it must meet certain criteria. This included having proper ventilation systems in place to prevent the spread of smoke to non-smoking areas.
3. Documentation of Smoke-Free Policies: Businesses and organisations are encouraged to maintain written policies regarding their approach to smoking on their premises. This documentation serves as evidence of their commitment to complying with the smoking regulations.
4. Complaint Records: Establishments are advised to keep records of any complaints related to smoking on their premises. These records could be used to demonstrate that appropriate measures were taken in response to reported incidents.
5. Enforcement Records: Where applicable, records related to enforcement actions taken by authorities or designated officers could be requested as evidence of compliance with the order.
6. Communication of Policy: It was important for businesses to effectively communicate their smoking policies to employees, visitors, and customers. This could be achieved through employee training, informational materials, and clear signage.
7. Ventilation Systems Maintenance Records: If a designated smoking room was provided, evidence of regular maintenance and functioning of the ventilation systems was crucial to ensure that smoke was properly contained.
8. Documentation of Compliance Checks: Authorities responsible for enforcing the order could keep records of compliance checks, which could serve as evidence of whether an establishment was adhering to the smoking regulations.

Overall, these evidence requirements were designed to provide a framework for businesses and authorities to monitor and demonstrate compliance with The Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. By maintaining proper documentation and procedures, establishments could ensure they were meeting the legal obligations outlined in the legislation.