Smoking Shelters for Workplaces
A designated outdoor smoking space with cover, ventilation and a clear route back to the building.
A smoking shelter provides overhead cover for an outdoor smoking area while leaving enough openness for ventilation. Its position and enclosure matter as much as its roof: a shelter should not move smoke towards an entrance or put people in the path of deliveries. Infinity Verandas supplies and installs commercial shelters across Yorkshire and north Lincolnshire. Start with the way your premises works, then choose a layout that separates smoking from doorways, pedestrian routes and the spaces used by people who do not smoke.
Choose the location before the roof
Look at the whole journey from the workplace to the proposed shelter. The route needs to remain usable when doors are open, deliveries arrive or bins are being collected. A convenient corner can be a poor choice if it sits beside an air intake or a frequently opened window. Mark these features on a photograph before asking for a survey. Think about neighbouring premises too: a boundary does not prevent smoke drifting across it. The right location is one that gives shelter without creating a new problem elsewhere on the site.
Keep smoking space open to the air
Side panels can reduce exposure, but enclosing a smoking shelter like a garden room changes its purpose and raises compliance questions. The opening arrangement needs to be considered with the surrounding walls, not just the panels supplied with the structure. A roof beside an existing building may feel open while still being restricted on several sides. Discuss the proposed arrangement with the relevant local authority before committing to it. A product described as a smoking shelter is not, by its name alone, confirmation that every location and installation is compliant.
Separate smoking from other outdoor breaks
A covered break area and a smoking shelter need not be the same space. Staff who want fresh air or somewhere to eat should not have to pass through smoke to use the outdoor seating. Where space permits, plan distinct routes and seating arrangements rather than placing everything beneath a single roof. On a smaller site, the decision may be about where the smoking area sits relative to an existing rest area. Clear signs help identify the intended use, but they do not replace a suitable layout or the workplace smoking policy.
Match the structure to the ground
Wall-mounted and freestanding shelter arrangements place different demands on a site. An independent frame needs suitable support at its posts; a wall connection depends on the building being able to accept the fixing. Paving is a finished surface, not proof that the ground beneath can support the structure. The survey considers the proposed footprint, drainage and access for installation. Water leaving the roof also needs an appropriate route away from the entrance and standing area. These practical details should be settled before the shelter shape is finalised.
Lighting, cleaning and everyday management
Integrated LED lighting can make an outdoor shelter more usable after daylight has faded. Plan its position around the approach as well as the covered space, and discuss the electrical supply early. Leave access to clean the roof, clear drainage and maintain the surrounding ground. Cigarette disposal belongs in the management plan, with an appropriate receptacle positioned away from combustible storage. Do not let the shelter become an overflow storage area. A clear standing space and an unobstructed exit are more important than adding furniture to every available edge.
Discuss your premises with us
Send a photograph showing the proposed shelter position, the neighbouring walls and the route people will take to reach it. Include the width and projection you have in mind and tell us whether the structure needs to stand independently or connect to a building. We offer a free site survey and quotation, with installation carried out in-house. For a broader outdoor staff or customer area, compare our commercial canopies rather than assuming a smoking shelter is the right answer. Call 0114 312 3771 to talk it through.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a smoking shelter have glass sides?
- Side glazing needs to be assessed alongside the roof and surrounding walls. It must not turn the designated smoking space into an enclosed room; check the proposed layout with the relevant local authority.
- Should it sit directly outside the staff door?
- Not automatically. Consider smoke entering the building, clear escape routes and the movement of deliveries before choosing a position close to a door.
- Can the same shelter be used for lunch breaks?
- Consider separate provision for people who do not smoke. Combining uses can put smoke into a space intended for eating or taking a fresh-air break.
- What information helps you assess the site?
- A wide photograph, the intended width and projection, nearby doors and windows, and an indication of pedestrian and vehicle routes help explain the project before a survey.
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
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