Managing Smoking & External Areas (Licensed Premises)

External smoking areas are a common source of complaints, safety issues and enforcement action for licensed premises. Poorly managed outdoor areas can lead to smoke drift into the premises, blocked entrances, excessive noise, litter problems and strained relationships with neighbours. This short CPD course is designed to help staff understand how to manage smoking in external areas effectively. It explains where smoking is permitted, what makes an area non‑compliant, and how staff can reduce risk through calm communication, clear boundaries and proactive management. The course focuses on practical, day‑to‑day staff actions rather than legal interpretation, helping premises remain compliant and well‑managed.

By completing this course, learners will gain practical knowledge on: Where smoking is permitted in external areas The difference between enclosed, substantially enclosed and open areas How outdoor smoking areas can become non‑compliant Managing customer movement near entrances and exits Reducing smoke drift into internal areas Managing noise, litter and community impact How to communicate smoking rules calmly and professionally When and how to escalate concerns Why recording issues supports due diligence

External smoking areas are a frequent focus of inspections Smoke drift and obstruction can lead to complaints or enforcement Poorly managed smoking areas increase noise and disorder Staff confidence helps prevent confrontation Demonstrates responsible management and due diligence Helps protect staff, customers, neighbours and licence conditions This course promotes calm, consistent management of outdoor spaces to avoid unnecessary risk.

This course is suitable for: Bar and front‑of‑house staff Floor staff and supervisors Door staff and managers Licence holders and duty managers No previous health and safety or legal knowledge is required.

On successful completion of this course, learners are awarded a CPD‑recognised certificate. The certificate provides formal evidence of continuing professional development and can be retained for individual CPD records, staff training files, or inspection purposes. This activity equates to 0.25 CPD hours. Certificates are available to download immediately after achieving the required pass mark in the end‑of‑course assessment.