Installing a smoking shelter on your property requires careful consideration to ensure it meets regulations, provides comfort, and minimises smoking’s impact on non-smokers. It is a great addition to any workplace or establishment where patrons are likely to smoke. There is no legal requirement to have a smoking or vaping shelter, but it is still a very nice amenity to have for clients, staff, and visitors who, if they are smokers, will sooner or later need to go out for a cigarette.
There are some factors to consider when choosing the best location for a smoking shelter. They are an investment, and you should pre-plan and research carefully before you buy them. You can look at our Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses on Installing a Permanent Smoking Shelter, which covers a lot of information, but here we will focus on one aspect – location. Here is what you need to consider before installing a smoking shelter.
Where Should I Install My Smoking Shelter?
The location of your smoking shelter will depend firstly on any available room, the layout of your building, and whether or not there is any space outdoors. Space will be your first bottleneck, and if a garden or car park isn’t available, you may have to get more creative or make peace with the idea that a smoking shelter may not be possible for your situation. However, if you do have available outside space, here are a few directions in which you need to start thinking.
Think About The Users
Your location needs to be convenient for smokers. The smoking shelter should be easily accessible to those who smoke but placed in a way that does not inconvenience non-smokers. Ideally, it should be close to common areas like break rooms and cafeteria exits or close to the natural entrances and exits of the building where it can be easily found. Also, keep in mind that keeping it accessible for all employees, including anyone with disabilities, is always good practice.
Another thing to ensure is that the location, and of course, the shelter design, provide adequate protection and comfort for smokers. This condition is essential – if the smoking shelter doesn’t provide comfort for smokers, mainly when the weather is bad, then they might as well be smoking outside without a shelter. When thinking about location, choose a spot that can accommodate a shelter with a roof and possibly side panels, but remember that your shelter still needs to comply with the 50% rule about how enclosed it can be. When planning, think about situating the shelter where there are natural windbreaks so that you can limit how windy it will get while still compliant.
Lastly, your chosen location should be safe and secure, especially if the shelter will be used during late hours. Ideally, it should be installed in a well-lit area visible from security cameras or within a regular security patrol route if security guards are on the premises.
Think About The Others
When deciding where to install a smoking shelter, remember that although it is for smokers, it should be placed somewhere where it would have a minimal impact on non-smokers. This applies to non-smokers from your premises and any nearby buildings, meaning that it is never a good idea to install your smoking shelter at the edge of your property and right next to your neighbours’ windows, where smoke would likely rise up. Other than smoke, there is also noise, rubbish and light pollution to consider.
The law doesn’t specify what distance your shelter needs to be from other structures, but you should use common sense to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke and odour. Consider placing the shelter downwind from building air intakes and common pedestrian paths and in an area where smoke will not easily drift into windows or doorways. We recommend that smoking shelters be a minimum of 1.5 metres away from other structures. This will also help you comply with the 50% openings rule.
Here are some questions to consider:
- Could my shelter cause noise problems for neighbouring properties?
- Could my shelter cause rubbish problems for neighbouring properties?
- Could my shelter cause light pollution to people in neighbouring properties?
- Could my shelter cause smoke problems for neighbouring properties?
- Does my shelter comply with the 50% rule, especially if one of the sides will be a building wall?
Think About The Law
Overall, you need to know that smoking shelters are not compulsory, and the smoking legislation doesn’t specify much about their design or make. However, one thing is very clear: in any place where smoking occurs, the space must not be fully or substantially enclosed. In practice, this means that the so-called 50% rule needs to be followed – at least 50% of the sheltered space under the roof needs to be open. It is crucial to note that doors, windows, and any other fittings which can be opened and shut do not count towards the 50% opening, as they can be closed at will and thus reduce ventilation in the space.
Before deciding on a location, you also need to familiarise yourself with local laws and regulations regarding smoking areas. Some councils have more specific rules than others; this is an example from Brighton and Hove City Council’s page, which gives further guidance. There may be some specific rules about positioning. Some councils require ashtrays to be present, whilst others, depending on the size of the shelter, may require planning permission.
Lastly, it is good to be aware of the Licensing Act 2003, which gives residents a say in how licensed premises operate. They can call for a “Review” of your licensing conditions based on several objectives: Prevention of Public Nuisance, Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Prevention of Children from Harm and Public Safety. In other words, noise from your shelter, second-hand smoke coming in through their windows or littered areas may cause serious issues. This means you must ensure your smoking area is not causing any such problems, which may influence its location.
Think About The Future
Once your shelter is installed, remember to keep it in good condition to keep local residents, smokers, and non-smokers happy and to extend its lifespan.
The shelter’s location should facilitate easy maintenance and cleanliness. To achieve that, ensure there is easy access for cleaning crews. Consider placing it near waste disposal units to manage cigarette waste effectively, or if that is not possible, install ashtrays and bins in it.
Suggested Locations for a Smoking Shelter
Car Parks
Car parks are often located away from the main building yet close enough to be comfortable walking distance. Locating your smoking shelter there will balance everyone’s needs—comfort and accessibility for smokers and minimising exposure to non-smokers.
Installing a smoking shelter in a car park also means you have more space and potential locations to consider. Due to the adequate space, it will probably be easier to meet all the local council’s requirements.
Gardens or Designated Outdoor Areas
If you have a garden or some sort of outdoor area that is not very popular, you can utilise these less-trafficked parts of the property. Furthermore, natural elements can help disperse smoke and integrate the shelter into the environment. Just make sure you provide bins and ashtrays to keep the area clean, especially if non-smokers also use it.
Rooftops or Balconies (For Multi-story Buildings)
Not having a car park or a garden doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have a designated smoking space or even a shelter. Depending on your layout and the building’s spaces, you could repurpose an existing balcony or erect a rooftop smoking shelter. This will have the added benefit of keeping smoke away from ground-level pedestrian traffic and likely far away from neighbouring buildings. It is also often more private and discreet, and the fact that it can be accessed without leaving the building may be a bonus for comfort.
Side Entrances or Back Alleys
Side or back entrances and alleys are typically less used by the majority of employees and visitors. This means you can think about repurposing them into a small smoking area as they provide a more secluded spot that can be adapted for a smoking shelter. However, here, you’d need to be mindful of windows and how likely it is for smoke to get inside the building.
There are many options for location, and selecting the right one for a smoking shelter on your property involves balancing accessibility for smokers with consideration for non-smokers and compliance with regulations. With some planning and prioritising accessibility, comfort, aesthetics, and safety, you can create a functional and pleasant smoking area that serves everyone’s needs.