Revision: 9
Revision date: 25 June 2025
Reference: RA-POL-002
Policy Statement
The Royal Armouries believes that all its employees have the right to work in a smoke free environment and be protected from exposure to second-hand smoke.
Exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and other serious illnesses. Ventilation, or separating smokers and non-smokers within the same airspace, does not completely stop potentially dangerous exposure. It is, therefore, our policy that all our workspace is smoke free. Thus, this policy is not concerned with whether anyone chooses to smoke but with where they smoke and the effect this has on staff and other members of the public. It is also concerned with the exclusion of preventable carcinogenic substances from the locality of our premises.
This Smoke-free Policy also applies to the use of electronic cigarettes (Vaping devices) and any other tobacco products.
This policy applies to all Royal Armouries, (Any reference to Royal Armouries should be taken as referring to its subsidiary and associated companies) employees, Venue contractors’ employees, contractors, volunteers, consultants, customers, and visitors, both museum and corporate.
The Policy will be reviewed every 4 years unless legislation dictates otherwise.
Signed
Nat Edwards
Director General and Master of The Armouries
Date 25 June 2025
Policy
In compliance with the Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations of the Health Act 2006, smoking is prohibited in all parts of the Museum as from Sunday 1st July 2007.
Purpose
The Policy seeks to:
- Guarantee a healthy working environment and protect the current and future health of employees and members of the public.
- Uphold the right of everyone to breathe in air free from tobacco smoke.
- Comply with Health and Safety Legislation.
- Raise awareness of the dangers associated with exposure to tobacco smoke.
- Consider the needs of those who choose to smoke.
Implementation
Overall responsibility for policy implementation, monitoring and review rests with the Chief Operating Officer of the Royal Armouries. Under the concession agreement the implementation of this policy outside of normal Museum opening hours will rest with the Venue contractor. However, all staff, whether employed or voluntary, are personally responsible for complying with, and supporting the implementation of this policy. The person named above shall inform all existing employees, consultants and contractors of the policy and their role in the implementation and monitoring of the policy. All new personnel will be given a copy of this policy on their recruitment/induction.
Premises
Leeds
The areas outside all the Leeds Museum entrances and the covered walkway
between the Security entrance and the Staff entrance will be designated as ‘no- smoking zones.
In addition, smoking will not be permitted in vehicles belonging to or leased by the Royal Armouries.
For those who wish to smoke, two designated areas are provided, the Smoking Shelter by the Menagerie Court and, for paying customers only, the outdoor seating area of the Masters Restaurant. Receptacles will be provided for disposal of cigarette ends and other waste smoking materials.
Appropriate ‘No smoking’ signs will be clearly displayed at the entrances to, and within, the premises.
The Venue contractor hold their own organisational smoke-free policy which complements this policy, a copy of which is held in the Royal Armouries Policy Folder.
Fort Nelson
There are 3 designated smoking areas at Fort Nelson.
For staff, visitors and contractors who wish to smoke the smoking area has been identified outside the lower west gate. For customers only an area has been identified on the parade ground. Receptacles will be provided for disposal of cigarette ends and other waste smoking materials.
During evening events the only accessible smoking area is situated in the Redan Courtyard where again waste receptacles are provided.
Appropriate ‘No smoking’ signs will be clearly displayed at the entrances to, and
within, the premises.
Tower Of London
HRP operates a no smoking policy in all buildings within the Tower of London. Smoking is only permitted outside within the inner and outer wards, the Casemates and behind the Waterloo Block. All Royal Armouries staff will observe the smoking policy implemented by Historic Royal Places when on site at the Tower of London.
Non-compliance
Any member of staff who fails to comply with the Policy will be subject to Disciplinary
Procedure in accordance with the Museum’s Disciplinary Policy.
Consultants, Contractors, and Visitors failing to comply with the policy may be asked to leave site.
In addition, individuals who fail to comply with the smoke-free law are liable for a fixed penalty fine and possible criminal prosecution. Where this involves a member of the Venue contractors’ staff, their discipline policy will apply.
Help to stop smoking
Information on stopping smoking is available from the NHS Smoking Helpline whose number is 0800 169 0 169. The helpline can offer advice and support on stopping smoking. Information is also available from: NHS Better Health Quit Smoking.