The British government has made plans to ban smoking outside schools, hospitals and playgrounds as a way of minimising the pressure on the state-run National Health Service and the cost to taxpayers.
The government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill will be inaugurated to parliament on Tuesday and it involves one of the world’s strictest anti-smoking rules where younger people will be banned from smoking.
However, the plans for a ban on smoking outside pubs and cafes were left out after concerns were made over its impact on the hospitality industry.
The health minister, Wes Streeting had said in a statement;
“Unless we act to help people stay healthy, the rising tide of ill-health in our society threatens to overwhelm and bankrupt our NHS. This historic legislation will save thousands of lives.”
Prime Minister, Keir Starmer had in August, said he supported the idea of banning smoking in outdoor spaces, such as pub gardens.
But the British Beer and Pub Association had a differing opinion, saying that the plan was “deeply concerning” and would have a “devastating impact” on venues already grappling with rising costs.
The government has said it will be given powers in the new legislation to outlaw smoking outside specific outdoor spaces such as children’s playgrounds, schools and hospitals. But these plans will however, be subject to consultation.
The previous Conservative administration had announced similar measures to create the first smoke-free generation. However, those plans didn’t see the light of day before the general election in the summer when the party lost power.
The new legislation however, ensures anyone aged 15 this year, or even younger, will be banned from buying cigarettes. Already plans have been put in place to make vapes less appealing to children.
Note that Britain had banned smoking in almost all enclosed public spaces, including bars and workplaces, in 2007.
