New Smoking Ban to Exclude Beer Gardens

Key Points:

A new smoking ban outside playgrounds, schools, and hospitals will be announced today. Pub-goers will still be allowed to smoke in beer gardens. Vape adverts and sponsorship will also be banned. On-the-spot fines for shops selling to kids will be introduced. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to phase out smoking by banning anyone born after January 2009 from buying cigarettes.

Victory for Booze Bosses

The announcement of a new smoking ban outside playgrounds, schools, and hospitals will exclude beer gardens, a victory for booze bosses who campaigned against the clampdown. The legislation introduced to Parliament today will also ban vape adverts and sponsorship. Ministers will have the power to curb fruity flavors that appeal to children and issue on-the-spot fines to shops selling to minors.

Creating a Smoke-Free Generation

Health Secretary Mr. Streeting emphasized the importance of preventive measures to combat rising ill-health in society. The government aims to create the first smoke-free generation, tackle nicotine addiction in young people, and protect children and vulnerable individuals from the dangers of secondhand smoke.