St. Mary's is a smoke-free zone.
From July 2007 a law has came into force banning smoking in all internal areas and work places in England and Saints fully comply.
It means that St. Mary's stadium is now a no smoking premises 24/7 - including matches. There will be no smoking permitted at any game. The Club have clarified their position in a leaflet sent to all supporters on the database and which is reproduced here for your information.
You will no doubt be aware of the changes in the law which prohibits smoking in all internal areas and work places in England. This is effective in England from Sunday 1st July 2007.
As a result, St Mary's Stadium is now a totally "no smoking" premises. It has long been demonstrated that second hand smoke causes damage to health. In light of this evidence and as a direct result of The Health Act 2006 and Football League policy, we will support and implement a smoke free policy for all Southampton Football Club property and premises so that our staff, supporters and customers will not be at risk from harm caused by the inhalation of tobacco smoke.
THE PURPOSE OF SOUTHAMPTON FOOTBALL CLUB'S NO SMOKING POLICY
To improve health
To improve awareness of the risks associated with second hand smoke
To protect staff, supporters and customers from second hand smoke
To provide support and encouragement to those who wish to stop smoking
THE PRINCIPLE OF THE POLICY
A smoke free environment will help to reduce the risk of disease contracted through the inhalation of second hand smoke. This policy will protect staff, supporters and customers and aims to promote a healthier environment for all. We also make a commitment to give assistance to those who it need it if they decide to stop smoking.
The law guarantees that all employees, supporters, visitors and customers have the right to work and enjoy conditions free of tobacco smoke. This will be re-iterated via signage within the Club's premises to inform all parties of the smoke free status of the buildings.
AREAS AFFECTED BY THE LAW
Smoking will not be permitted in any internal area of the Club's property. This incorporates the following areas:
Saints Megastore and Warehouse
Administration Offices
Saints in the Community and Ticket Offices,
Cleaners' and Security Rest Rooms
Kitchens and Food Preparation Areas
All storage areas and corridors
Match Control and PA rooms
Stewards Room and sign in areas
Hospitality Suites and their respective reception areas
Press Accommodation
Boardroom and Directors' Guest Rooms
Main Reception
Executive Boxes
Players and Officials Accommodation
Supporter Seating Areas
Supporter Concourse Areas
Groundsman's Store and office
The Playing Area
Toilets including disabled toilets
Dell Supporters Club
Saints Bars and Diners
Turnstile blocks
On match days, we would kindly request that supporters extinguish their cigarettes before entering the building. Unfortunately, there will be no opportunity to leave the internal area of the stadium to smoke outside of the building as re-admission will not be permitted.
ENFORCEMENT
Supporters and visitors who are found to be smoking on the premises will be asked to leave the Club's premises. This includes anyone found smoking on the premises on a match day when the policy will be enforced by Club Safety Stewards.
Before asking anyone to leave the Club's premises it will be explained to them that they are in breach of Southampton FC's no smoking policy and Ground Regulations.
Those who do not comply with the smoking regulations will be liable to a fixed penalty fine and / or criminal prosecution. Your co-operation in respecting our policy will be greatly appreciated.
