Smoking Shelters
It may be that you are considering providing a smoking shelter for your staff or for your customers.Things to consider at a glance are:
• Check that your proposed shelter is not ‘enclosed’ or ‘substantially’ enclosed
• Check whether you require planning permission for your shelter.
• If your premises is licensed under the Licensing Act check whether there are conditions affecting the use of outdoor areas.
• Consider the proximity of the shelter to neighbouring residential premises to avoid potential noise and passive smoke complaints.
• Consider hours of use—if close to residential premises hours of use should be restricted to minimise noise from customers. Good practice suggests no later than 21:00 hrs.
• If outside heaters will be used consider the noise impact these may have on nearby residential areas.
• If the shelter/area will be lit consider potential glare into habitable rooms .
• Consider your entrance and exit to the smoking shelter– this will be used more and will increase the potential noise breakout, particularly if live or amplified music is played inside. Speakers should not be placed near the exit route and it is recommended that a lobby is fitted with self closing doors.
• Consider the litter that will be created in the area—it is advisable to provide bins for cigarette ends.
For a more comprehensive guide to smoking shelters, download our guidance document.