Rhiannon Ingle
A serious warning has been issued to anyone caught vaping in their car whilst children are with them.
While you'd hope parents and caregivers would understand the risks of secondhand smoke, it appears that authorities have had to get involved.
People will be prevented from smoking, vaping or using devices that heat tobacco in children’s playgrounds, outside schools and in cars carrying youngsters, according to the plan, which is subject to consultation.
The UK Department of Health explained that extending smoke-free spaces would help shield children and vulnerable people from the risks of secondhand smoke.
Advert
Under the plan, smoking would be banned outside hospitals and other healthcare sites, but vaping would still be permitted there to support people trying to quit.
All indoor settings where smoking is already prohibited would shift to being both heated tobacco-free and vape-free. That includes workplaces, public transport, and private vehicles carrying anyone under 18.
Outdoor areas linked to hospitality venues, such as pub gardens, bar terraces, and restaurant seating, would be exempt, as well as wide open public spaces like beaches.
People would still be free to smoke or vape at home or in private outdoor areas.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: "No child in a playground or hospital patient should suffer because someone else chooses to smoke.
"Secondhand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer, and we want to protect children and the sick from harm.
"Prevention is better than cure, so this Government is taking pressure off the NHS and building a healthier Britain where everyone lives well for longer."
According to the Department of Health, the consultation marks an 'important step' towards implementing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is progressing through Parliament.
The chief medical officer for England, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, added: "People who do not smoke but who are exposed to secondhand smoke can suffer significant harmful effects on their health, including an increased risk of asthma, poor birth outcomes, several cancers, stroke and heart disease.
"The health risks are greatest for children, pregnant women and people with medical conditions.
"No smoker wants to harm people, but with secondhand smoke they do – and these measures would reduce the harm secondhand smoke causes the most medically vulnerable in our society."
The consultation will look at how outdoor boundaries will be set alongside possible exemptions, with the intention of making the rules proportionate and workable, the Department of Health said.
Business minister Kate Dearden explained: "These are targeted proposals to protect children and families from secondhand smoke and vaping, without placing extra pressure on pubs, restaurants or the wider hospitality sector.
"We have been clear that we will support businesses, and after listening to their concerns, we have excluded outdoor hospitality spaces from these changes."
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, added: "No child should have to walk through a cloud of deadly secondhand smoke on their way to the classroom or playground, nor should any patient be exposed to harm on hospital grounds.
"We strongly support the Government’s consultation and the landmark legislation behind it, and we call for urgent implementation to protect everyone from harm."
Cancer Research UK’s executive director of policy and information, Dr Ian Walker, said: "We support the UK Government taking action to create a smoke-free future and protect the most vulnerable in society."