|PIC1|Some churches are concerned about the effect on them of the smoking ban brought in on the 1st July 2007 by the 2006 Health Act.

"Will we have to stop using candles and incense?"

NO: incense and candles do not contain tobacco - which is the banned substance.

"Must we put NO SMOKING signs up?"

YES - BUT:

Conversations between the Church of England and the Department of Health have come up with these 'common sense' guidelines:

• The Regulations do require one A5 notice at all public entrances, which must include the international (red circular 70mm) no smoking sign. It must also carry the wording 'NO SMOKING - It is against the law to smoke in these premises'. But the 'in this premises' wording can be changed to read 'in this church', or 'in St Mary's Church' etc*. Such a notice could be adapted to be included in a general notice encouraging appropriate behaviour for a house of prayer;

• a small 70mm international sign is also required at all staff (i.e. not public) entrances;

• the signs do not have to be permanently fixed to the fabric - a poster on the noticeboard, or a sign in a portable stand, will do;

• there will be no cost to parishes/cathedrals: signs will be provided on request, via local authorities/Dept of Health;

• enforcement (by local authority officials) will be light touch: priorities will be premises such as pubs where non-compliance is likely to be more of a problem;

• the whole signage policy is to be reviewed by Government in three years' time, by when it is hoped that no smoking will be much more absorbed into the public culture and signage unnecessary;