Last edited 02 Oct 2020

Smoking shelters

1 Introduction
2 The introduction of smoking shelters
3 Building regulations
4 Location
5 Structural options
6 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
7 External resources

[edit] Introduction

Smoke-free legislation was introduced in phases during 2006 and 2007, which banned smoking in nearly all indoor environments (including workplaces and public spaces) across the UK

Scotland introduced the Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Premises (Scotland) Regulations 2006 on 26 March 2006. England passed The Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006 on 1 July 2007. Wales followed suit under the Smoke Free Premises etc. (Wales) Regulations 2007, which became effective on 2 April 2007.

In conjunction with the ban, all indoor smoking areas or break rooms were banned, and smokers were required to go outside to smoke. E-cigarettes were not included under the bans.

[edit] The introduction of smoking shelters

While employers are not required by law to provide smoking shelters for employees, some have taken it upon themselves to provide them. However, these structures must also comply with the Smoke Free regulations and follow local rules (for issues such as noise, licensing and so on). Smoking shelters require planning permission from local authorities.

[edit] Building regulations

Small smoking shelters do not typically require building regulations approval unless the floor area is greater than 15m² and the shelter is located within one metre of a boundary. Large shelters (those over 30m²) generally will require building regulations approval.

Smoking shelters became a common sight following the indoor smoking bans in the UK. Many workplaces now having little shelters like this, where workers can gather.

Smoking shelters cannot be enclosed by doors, walls, windows or other structures that enclose more than 50% of the structure. This 50% rule also applies to shelters built with one open side against a wall or fence.

[edit] Location

Due to the open nature of these buildings, their location is important and should take into consideration:

Noise. If many people gather at one time in the shelter, the noise could be disruptive to adjacent properties.
Light. There is a chance the shelter will be used in the evenings, which means it will require lighting. This could also be considered a nuisance to neighbouring properties.
Safety. While the shelter should be properly situated away from other structures, it should not be in a location where people could be put at risk (such as in a car park).
Ventilation. The location of the shelter should be placed far enough away from nearby buildings so smoke will not enter through windows or ventilation systems.
Brand. Smoking shelters can create a negative impression of an organisation if they are highly visible or next to main entrances.

[edit] Structural options

There are some smoking shelter options that may not require planning approval. These include lightweight gazebos or jumbrellas (or giant parasols). These structures must be sufficiently safe (they should be made from suitable fire resistant material) and structurally sound.