Posted By JEFFREY SMITH Yes, I know. always a touchy subject but please hear me out... On the site we have provided smoking shelters near the car parks. Reason, we needed the space inside. However, smokers are now lighting up outside and in this weather do not want to move into the shelters (understandable as they look like bus shelters!). This is causing problems with smoke wafting through windows. Also understandably, non-smokers are not too chuffed at having to 'share' air space. Does anyone think there is mileage in an exclusion zone and if so how big? Any mileage in a complete ban apart from the shelters? Any thoughts (I am now drowning in e-mailed complaints from both sides!)

Posted By Lumpy Restrict smoking to designated areas. You need to consult your workforce, and agree where the designated areas will be remembering that your primary duty is to protect non-smokers. If this group is being exposed then that is not acceptable. I suggest that you only allow smoking in designated shelters with ashtrays etc. If staff can smoke anywhere outside then they end up depositing the butt outside the front door, or into rubish bins with the resultant fire risk. Lumpy (part-time smoker) Lumpy.

Posted By PaulA Jeffrey.. We supply a nominated area for people to smoke in... it is outside, away from civilisation, cold when windy, wet when raining, has no roof as it is quite literally 'outside'... and the place is ALWAYS packed with those who wish to smoke! Smokers will smoke anywhere if they need to....! For years we put up with smoking in the offices and smoking on vehicles and smoking in restaurants and public places...... why? because in my opinion a professional 'venter' will carry out the dirty habit anywhere and in any climatic condition!!! Before anybody asks I am not a reformed smoker.... just somebody that can't stand the smoke.... other than in pubs, nightclubs, bars etc ...then I put up with it...mmmm? They are not to be treated like the 'rest' of us God fearing christians!!!! Regards PaulA (;-} "(I'll get me coat!)"

Posted By John Webster I'm not sure how the forthcoming anti-smoking legislation has been framed in England, but in Scotland as of next Spring even the smoking shelters will have to go unless they are just a back and a roof. Anywhere to which the public or employees have access which is "enclosed" - even if it has no doors - will be a no smoking area. In common with many NHS premises, we are about to extend our ban to all of our premises - which includes grounds. Most smokers can see the argument for banning indoor smoking -especially in hospitals - and are prepared, if reluctantly, to go outside. But how on earth is one to win them over to leaving the grounds for the nearest public road?