(Paragraph 8.15)

Basic principle

1. Staff are entitled to work in a smoke-free atmosphere. Staff who smoke should have facilities to enable them to do so.

Restrictions on smoking

2. Rooms in which House of Lords staff work are "no smoking" areas except as provided in paragraphs 3 and 4 below.

3. Rooms occupied by two or more staff may be designated by the Head of Human Resources as smoking areas if all staff who occupy them so request in writing and she is satisfied that non-smoking staff will not be required to spend significant time in those rooms.

4. Staff occupying rooms of their own may smoke, and allow others to do so, provided that non-smoking staff will not be required to spend significant time in those rooms.

5. Smoking is not permitted at meetings even if held in smoking areas unless all those attending agree otherwise.

6. Visitors are expected to observe smoking restrictions. "No smoking" notices should be displayed in rooms which have frequent visitors.

Permitted smoking areas

7. Staff may smoke in designated tea rooms (but not the staff room). Notices saying that smoking is permitted will be posted in such areas.

Breaches of policy

8. Repeated breaches of this policy will constitute a disciplinary offence, which will be dealt with in accordance with the normal procedures described in the Staff Handbook.

Refreshment Department

9. Refreshment Department staff who handle food are subject to separate rules laid down by the Superintendent.

10. Smoking is permitted in the Lords Bar, except for a designated "no smoking" area, but not in the Staff Restaurant.