Smoking Information Notice
Mon, 19 Jan 2015 05:30:00 GMT
To all students
As you may know smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces in England has been prohibited since July 2007. If the place has a ceiling or roof, with walls (including doors and windows, etc.) around at least half the perimeter, then it is classed as an enclosed space. This definition will encompass most doorways and entrances to our University buildings, including the stepped entryway to the Central Services Building.
While I appreciate that this law affects only a small minority of students, and that those that do smoke tend to be considerate and to move away from doorways, this message is a reminder to any students who smoke on the premises of the consequences of breaching your legal duties. The local authority monitor compliance with the law and have informed us that following complaints made to them about individuals smoking in doorways on University premises, they will be conducting inspections in the New Year and issuing fines where relevant. In line with local policy and to avoid confusion any students using e-cigarettes should also ensure that they do so away from doorways.
Individuals who continue to smoke in entrances may be in breach of the Regulations and in consequence may be subject to a fixed penalty notice, issued by Kirklees Council. The current fines are a fixed penalty notice of £50 (reduced to £30 if paid in 15 days) imposed on the person smoking, or a maximum fine of £200 if prosecuted and convicted by a court.
The University may also be held liable for failing to prevent smoking. In order to avoid being found guilty of this offence the University has a no smoking policy, puts up no smoking notices and would potentially take disciplinary action against students who fail to comply with its policies.
Therefore if anyone chooses to smoke whilst on the premises please ensure you move away from buildings and use the ashtrays and dustbins around the site.
Professor Peter Slee
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
