Vaping is set to be banned in playgrounds, hospital grounds and near schools under new legislation proposed by the UK government.
Health secretary Wes Streeting is considering restricting the use of vapes outdoors in England with Chris Whitty, the country’s chief medical officer for England, said to also favour the move.
The restrictions - leaked to the Times newspaper - are likely to be included in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is due to be presented to parliament in the coming weeks.
Push for extension to pub gardens
Mr Whitty is said to have pushed for pub gardens to be included in the outdoor vaping ban. But while no final decision has been made, it is thought to be unlikely this move will be made following the backlash over suggestions of an outdoor hospitality ban in August.
The reported proposals are part of efforts to reduce the number of children and young people taking up smoking.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We do not comment on leaks. Whilst vapes can be an effective tool to help adult smokers quit, children should never vape.
“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will bring about definitive and positive change to stop future generations from becoming hooked on nicotine and stop vapes and other nicotine products from being deliberately branded to target children.”
Hospital grounds ban contradicts ‘Swap to Stop’ message
However, anti-smoking campaigners argue that banning vaping in hospital grounds would be a backward step in the bid to get more people to kick the deadly habit of smoking.
Louise Ross, Chair of the New Nicotine Alliance, said on X: “The proposal to ban vaping on hospital grounds makes no sense. It is a glaringly obviously [sic] place where there is an opportunity to show people who smoke that there is a better alternative. This isn’t just about patients, it includes staff and visitors too.”
Health psychologist Sairah Salim-Sartoni said that while she can understand not allowing vapes in schools, banning them in hospital grounds contradicts the government’s own Swap to Stop campaign message.
She wrote on X: “Maybe schools and playgrounds but not hospitals. with swap to stop.. for us it is an advantage to tell patients they can’t smoke outside but they can be use [sic] the vape we’ve provided them… very mixed messaging if this goes through… based on evidence? Me thinks not.”
Banning vapes on hospital grounds would also ignore recent research showing that giving out free vapes in emergency hospital rooms helps smokers to quit.
The move comes after a proposal by the European Union to include vaping in a new sweeping ban on smoking outdoors. The ban would include outdoor recreational areas where children are likely to congregate such as public playgrounds, amusement parks and swimming pools; outdoor areas connected to healthcare and education premises; public buildings; service establishments; and transport stops and stations.
