Britain’s health minister has decided to introduce new outdoor smoking bans around schools and hospitals, but will still allow smoking in pubs. The new bill would ban vape advertising and sponsorship, restrict fruit vapes for children, and allow the state to impose fines on stores that sell cigarettes to minors.
According to the Sun on November 5, the British government is to announce new outdoor smoking bans around playgrounds, schools, and hospitals. However, Health Minister Wes Streeting confirmed that customers would still be able to smoke in bars.
The decision is a victory for bar owners who opposed the ban. Legislation introduced to Parliament today will also ban vape advertising and sponsorship.
The new bill would also give the government the power to restrict fruit vapes that specifically appeal to children and impose fines on shops that sell cigarette goods to minors on site.
In 2007, the indoor smoking ban will be extended to outdoor areas, including schools, hospitals, and amusement parks. Specific measures need to be discussed. These areas may also implement smoke-free policies.
Streeting said,
- “If we don’t take action to help us stay healthy, the growing number of health problems will overwhelm the National Health Service.”
- “Prevention is better than cure. The government is taking bold action to build the first generation of smoke-free people, crack down on minors’ exposure to tobacco tar through vapes, and protect children and vulnerable people from second-hand smoke.”
Single-use vapes will reportedly be banned across the UK by next summer in a bid to prevent British teenagers from becoming addicted to vapes.
