The government has launched a public consultation on proposed new laws that would significantly expand restrictions on smoking and vaping in England, with a focus on protecting children and vulnerable patients. The measures, outlined in the tobacco and vapes bill, are subject to the 12-week consultation which began on Friday and will run until 8 May.
Under the plans, vaping in any car carrying a person under the age of 18 would be outlawed, extending the existing ban on smoking in such vehicles that has been in place since 2015 to also cover e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The legislation would further prohibit smoking, vaping, and using heated tobacco in playgrounds and in the outdoor areas of schools and hospitals.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated the rationale for the move, saying: “No child in a playground or hospital patient should suffer because someone else chooses to smoke.” He added that “Secondhand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer and we want to protect children and the sick from harm.”
The Department of Health and Social Care said the proposals are based on growing evidence about the dangers of heated tobacco and vaping. It stated: “Evidence is emerging that emissions from heated tobacco and secondhand vapour from vapes pose health risks. At the same time, youth vaping has risen sharply in recent years, raising concerns about nicotine addiction and long-term health effects.”
The health campaign charity Action on Smoking and Health said ministers were right to explore banning vaping in cars with under-18s. Caroline Cerny, ASH’s deputy chief executive, said: “This consultation, and the wider legislation it is part of, is focused on protecting children. Although exposure to secondhand vapour is significantly less harmful than secondhand smoke, it is reasonable to consider whether steps should be taken to minimise any potential risk – particularly in small, enclosed spaces such as cars where children are present.” She added that the consultation should help strike a balance between protecting children and ensuring adults who smoke are supported to switch to vapes.
Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, outlined the established risks, stating: “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 proposed bill does not include a ban on smoking outside pubs, and it exempts smoking or vaping in care homes, hospices, mental health hospitals and residential schools, as published by The Guardian.
