There is no legal requirement to provide dedicated external areas for customers who wish to smoke. When considering the need, or not, for provision of an outside area for customers, you will need to address any licensing and planning issues.

If you decide to provide a shelter or make use of wall mounted ashtrays, you may require planning permission. Download planning guidance note on smoking shelters and other features or contact the Planning and Transportation Division on telephone number 0191 2115653 or 0191 2115654.

If you are a licensed premises, you may require a variation to your licensing application to cover any proposed external area for use. Download considerations for licensed premises or contact the Licensing Department on telephone number 0191 2783864 for further advice.