Dealers urged to prepare for smoking ban

“Most premises are already smoke free, but very few employers know what that means,” said Taj Rehal, director of Howes Percival. “You've got to have no smoking signs everywhere. Most dealers will think their showrooms are no smoking zones anyway, as smoking doesn't sell cars.” Rehal warned that if explicit ‘no smoking' signs weren't prominently displayed, showroom owners could still be fined. The incoming laws involve penalties of up to £1,000.

He urged dealers to have policies in place to deal with customers who still insisted on lighting up. Rehal said dealerships should make clear to customers that they would be breaking the law by allowing them to smoke inside a showroom. He suggested staff accompanying the customer if negotiations were taking place. A trader could face a £2,500 fine for failing to prevent smoking. The RMIF believes the trade is up to speed with the incoming regulations but is offering a branded ‘No Smoking' sign.