Do You Need a Smoking Shelter? A Quick Guide for UK Businesses

Under UK law, all enclosed public spaces and workplaces must be smoke-free — but that doesn’t mean people have stopped smoking. Whether you run an office, warehouse, school, care home, or pub, it’s likely you’ve had to think about how (or if) to provide a designated outdoor smoking area.

In this guide, we’ll explain who needs a smoking shelters, what the legal requirements are, and how to choose the right solution for your site.

What Is a Smoking Shelter?

A smoking shelter is a covered, partially enclosed structure that allows smokers to smoke outdoors while being protected from the elements. It creates a clear and compliant space for staff, customers, or the public — and helps keep entrances and walkways smoke-free.

Do You Legally Need a Smoking Shelter?

There’s no legal requirement to provide a smoking shelter in the UK. However, you are legally obligated to prohibit smoking in enclosed or substantially enclosed workplaces and public buildings under the Health Act 2006.

So while you're not required to provide a designated smoking area, if you don’t, smokers may gather in inappropriate or unsafe areas — near doors, walkways, or fire exits.

Providing a shelter:

• Encourages safe and appropriate smoking behaviour
• Prevents fire risks in car parks or landscaping
• Helps protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke
• Supports workplace wellbeing and staff morale

Who Typically Needs a Smoking Shelter?

You should strongly consider installing a smoking shelter if you manage or operate:

• Offices or corporate buildings
• Factories or warehouses
• Schools, colleges, or universities
• Construction sites or depots
• Hotels, pubs, and restaurants
• Hospitals and care homes
• Local council facilities and parks

Even if your premises are smoke-free indoors, providing a compliant shelter outdoors helps with site safety, appearance, and policy enforcement.

Smoking Shelter Regulations in the UK

Your shelter must meet certain design criteria to comply with UK smoking laws:

Must be less than 50% enclosed (i.e., at least half the structure must be open to the air)
Should be positioned away from entrances, air intakes, and non-smoking areas
Built from non-combustible, weather-resistant materials
Suitable drainage or flooring to avoid slip hazards
Optional extras like seating, ashtrays, and lighting enhance usability

At Speedy Street Solutions, all our outdoor smoking shelters meet UK regulations and are manufactured with commercial-grade steel and durable polycarbonate roof panels.

Where Should You Place a Smoking Shelter?

Choose a location that is:

• Away from entrances and public paths
• Close enough for staff convenience
• Sheltered from strong wind and rain
• Visible enough to be monitored (for security)

We recommend carrying out a basic site assessment to determine the best position for your smoking shelter based on foot traffic, visibility, and accessibility.

What Type of Smoking Shelter Should You Buy?

We offer a wide range of commercial smoking shelters to suit different site sizes, budgets, and usage levels:

All shelters come with optional ground fixings, custom finishes, and fast UK delivery.

Final Thoughts: Should You Provide a Smoking Shelter?

If your site sees regular smoker footfall, a smoking shelter is a smart investment. While not required by law, it helps you stay compliant, keeps your premises tidy, and improves safety and satisfaction for staff and visitors alike.

Ready to Order? Speedy Delivery Available

At Speedy Street Solutions, we supply high-quality smoking shelters across the UK — with quick delivery, expert advice, and commercial-grade build quality.

Browse our Smoking Shelters here...
Or contact our team for a free quote and specification support