More than one in ten businesses in England do not realise that their smoking room will have to be closed by 1 July 2007 and over half are unaware that work vehicles will be covered by the new anti-smoking law, says research from the Department of Health.

The study of over 1,000 businesses shows that although three-quarters are aware of the forthcoming legislation, many are unsure of the detail despite a dedicated Government website designed to help businesses and the public to prepare.

The inclusion of work vehicles in the legislation comes as something of a surprise to both employees and business owners, and those found smoking, or allowing smoking, in a smoke free place or vehicle and those failing to display a no-smoking sign may be liable to a fine or prosecution.

This means, for example, that mini cab drivers will be required by law to keep their taxis smoke free and the law will also extend to company owned vehicles used by more than one person, regardless of whether others are in the vehicle at the time of use.

Smoking will, however, be permitted in vehicles that are for the sole use of the driver and are not used as a workplace by anyone else.

‘No smoking’ signage can be downloaded or ordered from www.smokefreenengland.co.uk/resources or order by calling 0800 169 169 7

For details of the free services and advice on stopping smoking, call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0 169 or visit www.gosmokefree.co.uk and for more information visit www.smokefreenengland.co.uk