Every business in the UK — from shops and cafés to offices and warehouses — must display clear No Smoking signage. Since the rise of e‑cigarettes, many workplaces also enforce No Vaping policies, requiring additional or combined signage. This guide explains exactly what signs you need, where to place them, and how to stay compliant with UK smoke‑free legislation.

1. When No Smoking Signs Are Legally Required

Under the Health Act 2006, all enclosed and substantially enclosed workplaces must display at least one No Smoking sign.

This applies to:

• Shops and retail units

• Offices and commercial buildings

• Hospitality venues

• Schools and public buildings

• Vehicles used for work purposes

• Warehouses and industrial units

If people work or visit your premises, you must display No Smoking signage.

2. Are No Vaping Signs Required by Law?

There is no specific legislation requiring No Vaping signs. However, businesses are legally allowed to set their own vaping policy, and most choose to prohibit vaping indoors.

This means:

• No Vaping signs are best practice, not mandatory

• Combined No Smoking / No Vaping signs are now industry standard

• Clear signage helps avoid confusion and disputes

3. What No Smoking Signs Must Include (Legal Requirements)

The law requires No Smoking signs to display:

Mandatory Elements

• The No Smoking symbol (red circle + diagonal bar + cigarette pictogram)

• The text: “No smoking” (England & Wales)

• In Northern Ireland: Minimum A5 size

• In Scotland: Minimum 230 × 160 mm with an 85 mm symbol

Optional but Recommended

• “It is against the law to smoke in these premises”

• Combined No Smoking / No Vaping wording

• Company branding

For England, the size is flexible — the sign must simply be clear and legible.

4. Where to Place No Smoking & No Vaping Signs

Placement must make the policy unmistakably clear.

Entrances

• Main customer entrance

• Staff entrance

• Side and rear doors

• Delivery entrances

Inside the Building

• Reception

• Corridors

• Staff rooms

• Toilets

• Meeting rooms

Outdoor Areas

• Loading bays

• Covered smoking shelters

• Company vehicles

If smoking or vaping is prohibited, the signage must reflect it.

5. Recommended Sizes for Business Signage

Internal Signs

• 200 × 150 mm — ideal for offices, corridors, and staff areas

• 150 × 100 mm — compact for doors and small spaces

Entrance Signs

• 200 × 150 mm — standard

• A5 (148 × 210 mm) — common for compliance

• 230 × 160 mm — required in Scotland

6. Material Options

Aluminium (Premium)

• Rigid and long‑lasting

• Ideal for entrances and customer‑facing areas

• Professional appearance

Self‑Adhesive Vinyl

• Perfect for internal doors and glass

• Cost‑effective for bulk use

• Easy to apply

ACM (Outdoor Grade)

• Weatherproof

• Ideal for external walls and sheltered areas

7. Combined No Smoking / No Vaping Signs

Most businesses now prefer combined signage, because:

• It reduces confusion

• It covers both policies in one sign

• It looks cleaner and more modern

• It avoids customers claiming “vaping isn’t smoking”

Typical wording:

“No Smoking or Vaping on These Premises”  or“Smoking and Vaping Are Not Permitted”

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using outdated “It is against the law…” signs

Still allowed, but no longer required.

❌ Signs too small to read

Use 200 × 150 mm minimum indoors.

❌ No Vaping policy not clearly displayed

Leads to disputes with customers and staff.

❌ Vinyl used outdoors

It fades and peels — use aluminium or ACM.

❌ Only one sign for the whole building

Every entrance needs signage.

9. Best Practice Summary

For shops and offices:

• Display No Smoking signs at every entrance

• Use combined No Smoking / No Vaping signs for clarity

• Use 200 × 150 mm internally

• Use A5 or 200 × 150 mm at entrances

• Use aluminium for entrances and customer‑facing areas

• Use vinyl for internal doors and staff areas

This article is part of our Mandatory Workplace Signs series. Read the full pillar guide here: Mandatory Workplace Signs (UK Requirements).