By Mans Khan, Owner of Tamstar Ltd
After supplying smoking and vaping shelters across the UK for more than 20 years, I’ve spoken to hundreds of facilities managers, estates teams, health and safety professionals, schools, NHS trusts and business owners.
Interestingly, the questions I get asked are often the same.
Facilities managers aren’t simply looking for the cheapest outdoor smoking shelter. They’re trying to ensure they comply with legislation, improve the appearance of their site, reduce cigarette litter and invest in a shelter that will last for years, giving them good value for money.
In this article, I’ll answer the questions I hear most often and share the advice I regularly give to organisations planning a new commercial smoking shelter.
1. Do We Actually Need a Smoking Shelter?
This is probably the number one question.
The simple answer is no.
UK law doesn’t require employers to provide a smoking shelter for staff or visitors. However, if people smoke on your premises, providing a designated smoking or vaping area is usually the most practical solution.
Without one, smokers often gather:
- Outside reception entrances
- Near fire exits
- Beside loading bays
- Around customer entrances
This quickly creates problems including:
- Cigarette litter
- Complaints from visitors
- Smoke entering buildings
- Congestion around entrances
- Poor first impressions
A well-positioned smoking shelter keeps everything organised while creating a cleaner, safer environment for everyone.
2. What Makes a Smoking / Vaping Shelter Compliant?
This question comes up on almost every enquiry.
Many people believe simply putting up a covered shelter is enough.
It isn’t.
UK smoke-free legislation requires smoking to take place outside enclosed workplaces. A smoking shelter must not become an enclosed structure. Generally speaking, at least 50% of the covered area around the perimeter beneath the roof must remain permanently open to ensure adequate natural ventilation.
This is one of the reasons I always recommend speaking with an experienced supplier before purchasing.
Choosing the wrong design can create compliance issues that are far more expensive to resolve later.
3. Where Should a Smoking Shelter Be Positioned?
Location is almost as important as the shelter itself.
I normally recommend positioning shelters:
- Away from main entrances
- Away from customer walkways
- Away from air intake systems
- Easily accessible for staff
- Close enough for convenience but far enough to prevent smoke drifting into buildings
Poor positioning often leads to complaints from staff and visitors.
A well-planned location improves site appearance while helping smokers and non-smokers coexist comfortably.
4. Do We Need Planning Permission?
This is one of the most misunderstood areas.
The answer depends on several factors including:
- Shelter size
- Whether it’s considered a permanent structure
- The location
- Local planning authority requirements
Larger permanent shelters often require planning permission, while smaller installations may not.
Every site is different, so I always advise customers to check with their local planning authority or landlord before proceeding if there is any uncertainty.
At Tamstar, we’re always happy to discuss projects during the planning stage to help avoid unnecessary delays.
5. Which Smoking Shelter Is Best?
There isn’t one shelter that’s perfect for every business.
The right choice depends on:
- Available space
- Number of smokers
- Exposure to weather
- Budget
- Site layout
For example:
- Offices often prefer sleek, modern shelters that complement their buildings.
- Warehouses typically prioritise durability.
- Colleges and Universities require robust shelters with high resistance to vandalism.
- Hospitals often need shelters positioned carefully to separate smokers from entrances and patient areas.
This is why I spend time understanding each customer’s requirements before recommending a solution.
6. How Long Will a Smoking Shelter Last?
A quality galvanised steel smoking shelter should last between 10 & 15 years
At Tamstar, our shelters are designed for commercial environments using heavy-duty galvanised steel, with optional powder coating for additional protection and aesthetics. Impact-resistant polycarbonate glazing also provides long-term durability while helping withstand the UK’s unpredictable weather.
When maintained properly, a commercial smoking shelter should become a long-term investment rather than a recurring expense.
7. Should We Include Ashtrays and Seating?
Absolutely.
One of the biggest mistakes I see is installing a shelter without considering how it will actually be used.
Adding:
can dramatically reduce litter while creating a more organised smoking area.
It’s a relatively small additional investment that delivers significant day-to-day benefits.
8. Can Smoking Shelters Improve Site Appearance?
Many people assume smoking shelters make a site look untidy.
In my experience, the opposite is usually true.
Without a designated area, cigarette ends quickly appear across:
- Entrances
- Car parks
- Paths
- Landscaping
A purpose-built outdoor smoking shelter creates a controlled location where smokers naturally gather.
The result is:
- Cleaner entrances
- Reduced litter
- Better first impressions
- Easier maintenance
Facilities managers regularly tell me visitors notice the improvement immediately.
9. How Quickly Can a Smoking Shelter Be Installed?
This depends on the size of the project.
Most standard smoking shelters arrive as flat-packed systems with clear installation instructions and can often be assembled within a day on a suitable prepared base. Larger or bespoke projects naturally take longer, particularly if groundwork or planning approvals are involved.
If customers prefer, Tamstar can also arrange professional installation, ensuring the shelter is fitted correctly and efficiently.
10. What Should Facilities Managers Look for When Choosing a Supplier?
Price is important but shouldn’t be the only consideration.
I always recommend looking for a supplier that offers:
- Commercial-grade products
- UK-wide delivery
- Installation options
- Technical advice
- Product guarantees
- Experience working with similar organisations, NHS sites, offices and industrial premises
- Ongoing customer support
Buying the cheapest shelter often becomes expensive if it doesn’t meet your requirements or needs replacing after only a few years.
My Final Advice
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after supplying commercial smoking shelters for more than two decades, it’s that every site is different.
The best solution isn’t necessarily the largest or the most expensive.
It’s the shelter that suits your location, complies with legislation, improves your site’s appearance and provides years of reliable service.
At Tamstar Ltd, we’ve helped facilities managers throughout the UK supply smoking shelters for:
- Offices
- Care homes
- Colleges
- Universities
- NHS Trusts
- Manufacturing facilities
- Distribution centres
- Warehouses
- Local authorities
- Retail parks
- Construction sites
Whether you need a wall-mounted smoking canopy, a freestanding smoking shelter, or advice on the best location for your site, we are always happy to help.
Choosing the right smoking shelter shouldn’t be complicated. With the right guidance, it’s an investment that improves compliance, keeps your premises cleaner and creates a better environment for staff and visitors alike.
