Smoking Shelters

Cigarette smoking is becoming the usual habit of many people today. Several countries have banned smoking in public places. But there are still special areas where people can smoke while being in public. The Health Department has set up smoking shelters, which can be used for smoking, without affecting the rest of the environment. People concerned about their health would appreciate the introduction of smoking shelters.

Smoking shelters are located outside bars, shopping malls, restaurants etc. If you are a smoker then you can entertain your smoking pleasure in these shelters. Shelters provide a safe smoking area to protect staff and customers against wind and rain. They also keep your building free from the fire risk associated with discarded cigarette butts. Shelters are a good way to get rid of the dangerous cigarette vapors, which has caused several health issues in people throughout the world.

The shelters must not be ‘enclosed’ or ‘substantially enclosed’ area. In principle it can have a roof and must have less than 50{dc95c22c9cec96e4b887cb128e750bad45acd6bf2ff75ab29d9ade61e84bfb51} walls. Doors and windows, which can be opened, will be counted as part of the wall area. You can’t place the shelter in a position where its roof touches up against a building wall – in those situations you would make the shelter a substantially enclosed space and smoking would be prohibited. You need a 1.5 metre gap between the roof and an adjacent wall. Smoke from the shelter should not discharge into a public place or workplace.

Smoking shelters with different styles and design are available in market today. They are constructed with good quality materials and need no maintenance. The conventional smoking shelter is a freestanding unit designed for 5-7 people to enjoy cigarette. Small wall mounted shelter is another shelter which offers cover for 2-3 people and is ideal for use by small businesses.

For specific advice about your plans for a shelter or smoking area and whether they comply with the legislation, contact your local Council’s Planning department.