6am on 1 July 2007 is the start time for the smoking ban in England. Virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces will become smoke-free environments. This will include offices, factories, shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, membership clubs, public transport and work vehicles that are used by more than one person. The law will also mean that indoor smoking rooms, still common in workplaces, will no longer be allowed. The legislation will make it an offence for those who control or manage smoke-free premises to fail to stop people smoking on them. An employer will have a valid defence if it takes reasonable steps to prevent people smoking; does not know or cannot reasonably be expected to know that they are smoking; or can show other grounds why it is reasonable not to fulfil its duty. If employers occupy or manage smoke-free premises, they will also be under a duty to ensure that compliant no-smoking signs are displayed. The regulations providing the detail of how the legislation will operate are being finalised and will be laid before Parliament shortly