Smoking Banned near Hospital Buildings at 15 metres
Yesterday, New legislation comes into force about Smoking banned near hospital buildings at a distance of 15 meters
Patients and healthcare staff will no longer face second-hand smoke at hospital doors as a nationwide ban comes into effect yesterday (Monday 5 September).
The new legislation means anyone found lighting up within fifteen metres of a hospital building could face a fixed penalty notice of £50 or a fine of up to £1,000 if the case goes to court.
This is the latest step in the Scottish Government’s plan to create a tobacco free Scotland by 2034 and supports the voluntary smoke-free hospital grounds policy introduced in 2015.
The new law will apply to NHS hospital settings used for the treatment and care of patients and includes a ban on lighting up beneath overhanging structures.
Where the law applies
The law, which came into force on 5 September 2022, applies to all NHS hospital buildings in Scotland. This includes awnings, canopies, or any other overhanging structure connected to a hospital building, even if they extend further than 15 metres from a hospital building.
How people will know where not to smoke
There will be signs at main entrances to hospital grounds and on buildings to warn people that there is smoking banned near hospital buildings within 15 metres of the building.
Posters and leaflets have also been distributed to hospitals and GP surgeries to let people know about the ban.
Advice and support to stop smoking
You can get free advice, support, and medication to stop smoking through the NHS. For more information:
- Go to www.quityourway.scot
- phone Quit Your Way Scotland for free on 0800 84 84 84
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