Smoking Ban for Runnymede Council Owned Properties
All who said smoking should not be allowed on a balcony identified themselves as a non-smoker
Residents living in homes owned by a Surrey council banned from smoking on their balconies.
On Wednesday 20th of September, Runnymede Borough Council's housing committee agreed to ban smoking on balconies across its property portfolio.
The council said it expects enforcement to be relatively straightforward with the majority of tenants adopting the new rules following clear communication on how balconies should be used.
This followed a consultation in April 2023 where Runnymede Council consulted with residents on their planned Balcony Safety Policy. The policy would aim to address fire and safety risks for everyone’s benefit, however we also wanted tenants views on our approach to smoking on balconies.
Runnymede Council sent out emails to all tenants whose homes have a balcony. They asked residents to share what they thought the new policy should enforce.
Out of 174 residents, 40 responded to the local authority survey - 83% of whom were non-smokers.
Four people said smoking should not be allowed on a balcony that is next to another home
16 people said it should not be allowed on any balcony
20 people said it should not be allowed if it causes a "nuisance" to other residents
Council papers stated smoking caused a "nuisance" when cigarette smoke was "blown from one balcony to another".
All who said smoking should not be allowed on a balcony identified themselves as a non-smoker, the council said.
