Issue - meetings

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

Consideration was given to the updated workplace smoking policy which took account of the change in council office location and the increasing use of electronic cigarettes. During discussion, the following points were raised:

·         Whilst staff in the Hub were not permitted to smoke near the building, visitors often smoked near the entry doors and some members felt that signs should be erected to discourage this

·         Most hospitals had banned smoking anywhere on the site, which some felt was a positive move

·         There should be a designated smoking area (with butt bin) at both the Atkins and Jubilee building

·         Use of e-cigarettes should not be discouraged as they assist with giving up smoking.

Members felt that it was firstly unfair that staff in the Atkins and Jubilee buildings didn’t have a dedicated smoking area, and secondly that seeing people smoking out the front of the Atkins building did not give a good impression and therefore a smoking area at the rear would be preferable. It was moved by Councillor Cartwright and seconded by Councillor Rooney that a recommendation be added asking officers to consider adding signage for visitors to the Hub asking them to refrain from smoking next to the building and that consideration be given to creating designated smoking areas at the Atkins and Jubilee buildings. The motion was supported. It was then moved by Councillor Witherford, seconded by Councillor Rooney and

RESOLVED –

(a)          The revised policy be approved;

(b)          Officers be asked to consider signage asking visitors to refrain from smoking next the Hub;

(c)          Officers be asked to create designated smoking areas at the Atkins and Jubilee buildings.