The smoke-free laws in Northern Ireland prohibit smoking in all enclosed workplaces and public places, such as offices, shops, restaurants, bars, cinemas and public transport, with some limited exemptions. These laws have been in place since 2007 and are enforced by environmental health officers from district councils, who can issue fixed penalty notices of £50 for smoking in a smoke-free place or £200 for failing to display no-smoking signs.
The smoke-free laws are part of the wider tobacco control strategy in Northern Ireland, which aims to reduce smoking prevalence and prevent smoking initiation among young people. According to the latest statistics, 15% of adults aged 16 and over in Northern Ireland were current smokers in 2019/20, down from 24% in 2005/06. However, smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Northern Ireland.
Creating a smoke-free environment is essential for improving public health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland. The smoke-free laws aim to protect everyone from the dangers of secondhand smoke, especially children and vulnerable groups. Local Councils have a duty to enforce the laws and ensure compliance by smokers and premises owners. The public can also play a role by reporting any breaches of the laws or seeking help to quit smoking if they wish to do so.
