Vaping to be banned in cars carrying children in new government crackdown
Under new government proposals, the use of electronic cigarettes will be banned in vehicles carrying children.
The plan, which is currently in consultation, will also ban smoking, vaping and heated tobacco devices outside children’s play areas and schools.
The Ministry of Health said the move aims to expand smoke-free environments and protect children and vulnerable people from second-hand smoke.
While smoking is banned outside hospitals and other healthcare facilities, electronic cigarettes will continue to be allowed to support those trying to quit smoking.
All existing indoor areas where smoking is already prohibited, including workplaces, public transport and private vehicles carrying people under 18, will be made “heated, tobacco-free and electronic cigarette-free”.
Open spaces near hospitality venues, such as bars, pubs and restaurant gardens, as well as “large open public spaces” including beaches, will be exempt from the ban.
People will be able to choose to smoke or vape in their homes or private outdoor spaces.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “No child on the playground or in hospital should have to suffer because someone else chose to smoke.
“Second smoke increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer, and we want to protect children and patients 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 Ministry of Health, the consultation marks an “important step” towards the implementation of the Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Bill, which is advancing through Parliament.
Professor Sir Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, said: “People who do not smoke but are exposed to second-hand smoke can suffer significant harmful effects on their health, including an increased risk of asthma, poor birth outcomes, various types of cancer, stroke and heart disease.
“Health risks are greatest for children, pregnant women and people with medical conditions.
“No one who smokes wants to harm people, but secondhand smoke does that – and these measures will reduce the harm secondhand smoke causes to the most medically vulnerable people in our society.”
The Department of Health said the consultation will look at how to set outdoor limits, as well as possible exemptions, to make the rules proportionate and enforceable.
Business Secretary Kate Dearden said: “These are targeted proposals to protect children and families from second-hand smoke and vaping, without putting extra pressure on pubs, restaurants or the wider hospitality sector.
“We have made it clear that we will support businesses and, after listening to their concerns, we have excluded outdoor accommodation from these changes.”
Chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, Dr. Charmaine Griffiths said: “No child should have to walk through a deadly cloud of second-hand smoke on the way to class or playground, nor should any patient be exposed to harm on hospital grounds.
“We strongly support the government consultation and the landmark legislation behind it and call for urgent implementation to protect everyone from harm.”
Dr Ian Walker, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive of policy and information, said: “We support the UK Government taking action to create a smoke-free future and protect the most vulnerable people in society.”
UK Hospitality has been contacted for comment.
