As businesses across the UK prepare for the warmer months, spring presents the perfect opportunity to upgrade outdoor facilities—including smoking shelters. Whether you manage a commercial property, office, school, or industrial site, installing a smoking shelter is not just about convenience; it’s about compliance, safety, and maintaining a professional environment.
With UK smoking regulations remaining strict and workplace expectations evolving, choosing the right smoking shelter requires careful planning. In this guide, we break down the five most important things to consider when installing a smoking shelter this spring, helping you make a smart, compliant, and cost-effective investment.
1. Understanding UK Smoking Shelter Regulations
Before installing any smoking shelter, compliance with UK law is essential.
Under the Health Act 2006, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed or substantially enclosed workplaces and public buildings. This means your smoking shelter must be designed in a way that ensures it remains legally compliant.
Key compliance rules:
- Smoking shelters must not be fully enclosed
- They must have at least 50% of the sides open (the “50% rule”)
- Smoke must be able to freely disperse into the air
- Shelters that are “substantially enclosed” are legally classed as smoke-free
Failure to comply can lead to fines of up to £2,500 for businesses.
While there is no legal requirement to provide a smoking shelter, businesses are legally required to prevent smoking indoors, making outdoor shelters a practical and widely adopted solution.
2. Choosing the Right Location on Your Site
Location is one of the most overlooked yet critical factors when installing a smoking shelter.
A poorly positioned shelter can cause:
- Smoke drifting into buildings
- Congestion near entrances
- Fire hazards
- Complaints from staff or visitors
Best practice for placement:
- Position shelters away from entrances, windows, and air vents
- Ensure a safe distance from buildings to reduce smoke exposure
- Avoid high-traffic walkways
- Place in a visible but discreet area for monitoring
Although there is no strict legal distance requirement, guidance suggests keeping shelters far enough away to prevent smoke from entering indoor spaces.
A well-positioned shelter improves:
- Workplace air quality
- Staff satisfaction
- Overall site organisation
3. Selecting Durable and Weather-Resistant Materials
Spring is the ideal time to install a smoking shelter, but UK weather is unpredictable year-round. Choosing high-quality materials is essential to ensure longevity and value for money.
Key materials to look for:
- Galvanised steel frames for durability and anti-corrosion
- Polycarbonate roofing panels for weather protection
- UV-resistant materials to prevent fading
- Anti-vandal designs for public or high-traffic areas
Outdoor shelters are exposed to:
- Rain and wind
- Temperature changes
- Daily wear and tear
Investing in a robust structure reduces:
- Maintenance costs
- Replacement frequency
- Long-term operational issues
Tamstar’s smoking shelters are designed specifically for UK conditions, offering commercial-grade durability with minimal upkeep, making them ideal for businesses, schools, and public sector sites.
4. Capacity, Size, and User Experience
Another key consideration is how many people will use the shelter and how often.
A shelter that is too small can lead to:
- Overcrowding
- Non-compliant behaviour (people standing outside the shelter)
- Poor user experience
Consider:
- Number of employees or visitors
- Peak usage times (breaks, lunch hours)
- Space for safe movement and distancing
- Optional features like seating and lighting
Adding features such as:
- Benches
- Integrated ashtrays
- Lighting for darker evenings
can significantly improve usability and encourage staff to use the designated area properly.
A well-designed shelter supports:
- Cleaner premises (less cigarette litter)
- Better compliance with workplace policies
- Improved employee satisfaction
5. Planning Permission, Safety, and Installation
Depending on the size and location of your smoking shelter, you may need to consider planning permission and safety requirements.
Important factors:
- Shelters over certain sizes may require approval
- Installation must not obstruct public pathways
- Fire safety considerations must be addressed
- Ground preparation (concrete base, anchoring) is essential
Local councils may also require consultation for:
- Noise impact
- Visual impact
- Environmental considerations
Additionally, shelters should:
- Be securely fixed to the ground
- Include proper drainage to prevent slip hazards
- Be installed by professionals to ensure compliance and longevity
Working with an experienced UK supplier like Tamstar ensures your installation is handled correctly from start to finish, saving time, reducing risk, and ensuring full compliance.
Why Spring Is the Best Time to Install a Smoking Shelter
Spring is widely considered the best time for installing smoking shelters for several reasons:
- Improved weather conditions make installation easier
- Businesses can prepare for increased outdoor use in summer
- Avoid delays caused by winter weather or peak demand
- Allows time to address compliance before inspections
Installing early ensures your workplace is fully prepared for higher usage and maintains a professional appearance during the busiest months.
Why Choose Tamstar for Smoking Shelters?
When it comes to smoking shelters in the UK, choosing the right supplier is just as important as choosing the right product.
Tamstar Ltd offers:
- High-quality, durable smoking shelters
- Competitive UK pricing
- Expert advice on compliance and installation
- Solutions tailored for businesses, schools, and commercial sites
With years of experience in supplying commercial outdoor shelters, Tamstar ensures your investment is both compliant and built to last.
Final Thoughts
Installing a smoking shelter is more than just adding an outdoor structure—it’s about ensuring compliance, improving workplace organisation, and creating a safer environment for everyone.
By focusing on:
- Legal compliance
- Strategic location
- Durable materials
- Capacity and usability
- Proper installation
You can make a smart, future-proof decision for your business.
Spring is the perfect time to act, ensuring your workplace is ready, compliant, and professional ahead of the busy summer months.
