4th October 2013 Information Rights Team (Freedom of Information Act) 2nd Floor Royal Mail Sheffield Pond

Street SHEFFIELD S98 6HR 0114 241 4215 foi@royalmail.com www.royalmail.com Dear Mr Puddlecote Re: Freedom of Information Act Request (Our Reference: MTEE-9BGEVT) I am writing in response to your recent request for information dated 11th September 2013. Your request has been considered under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. You requested the following:

Mr Richard Puddlecote By Email: dickpuddlecote@live.co.uk

1) Do you have a stated policy on the use of electronic cigarettes by your staff? 2) If so, please clarify between indoors and outdoors use. 3) Do you have any policies about electronic cigarette accessories being sent through the post?
I can confirm that Royal Mail Group does have a Smoking Guide which sets out the standards expected from individuals and smoking at work as requested in point one. The Guide explains that individuals who wish to smoke whilst at work must do so in the designated smoking area which must be outside buildings and other enclosed places. In relation to e-cigarettes the guide states; Royal Mail Group does not allow the use of electronic cigarettes in any Royal Mail Group building or vehicle. In regards to point three of your request; Royal Mail does not have a policy specifically relating to customers wishing to send electronic cigarettes/accessories. There are some items which Royal Mail are unable to carry for legal or health and safety reasons and a comprehensive list is available on our website www.royalmail.com. The published list provides detailed information about the things you cannot post as well as highlighting the areas where there may be exceptions. A direct link has been provided for your reference http://www.royalmail.com/. Different rules apply to businesses and individual consumers

Royal Mail Group Ltd is registered in England and Wales. Registered number 4138203. Registered office: 100 Victoria Embankment, London, EC4Y 0HQ. Royal Mail Group Ltd 2013 Page 1 of 2

Cont as well as to domestic and international mail therefore please refer to the relevant sections. We would urge customers with any queries or concerns regarding sending items through the post to contact Royal Mail Customer Services on 08457 740 740 for advice and assistance. I hope the information provided is useful to you. If for any reason you are not satisfied with this response, you do have the right to request a review. If you wish to do so please set out your reasons in writing and send to the Head of Information Rights at the address above. An internal panel will then review the request, and you will be advised of the outcome. If, having requested an internal review, you are still not satisfied with our response you also have a right to appeal to the Information Commissioner at: Information Commissioners Office Wycliffe House Water Lane WILMSLOW SK9 5AF Telephone: 01625 545 700 www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk Yours sincerely Marie Teasdale Information Rights Officer

Royal Mail Group Ltd is registered in England and Wales. Registered number 4138203. Registered office: 100 Victoria Embankment, London, EC4Y 0HQ. Royal Mail Group Ltd 2013 Page 2 of 2