As England gears up to go smokefree this Sunday, we investigate the rules and regulations surrounding the ban.

What is the smoking ban?

From 1 July 2007 it will be against the law to smoke in virtually all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces.

This will include offices, factories, shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, membership clubs. It also includes at railway station concourses, ticket halls, footbridges, subways and platforms, including uncovered ones.

Public transport and work vehicles used by more than one person will need to be smokefree.

No-smoking signs will have to be displayed in all smokefree premises and vehicles.

Staff smoking rooms and indoor smoking areas will no longer be allowed, so anyone wanting to smoke will have to go outside.

Managers of smokefree premises and vehicles will have legal responsibilities to prevent people from smoking.

Penalties

People and businesses that don't comply will the law will be committing a criminal offence. Penalties are:

· For smoking in a smokefree premises or work vehicle: a fixed penalty notice of £50 (reduced to £30 if paid in 15 days) for a person breaking the law. Or a maximum fine of £200 if prosecuted and convicted by a court.

· For failing to display no-smoking signs: a fixed penalty notice of £200 (reduced to £150 if paid in 15 days) imposed on the manager of the premises or vehicle. Or a maximum fine of £1000.

· For failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place: a maximum fine of £2500 imposed on whoever manages or controls the premises or vehicle if prosecuted and convicted by a court.

Enforcement

· Local councils will be responsible for enforcing the new law in England.