Labour plans to ban parents from vaping in cars with children

Labour has proposed banning smoking and vaping in playgrounds, outside schools and in cars carrying children as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is now subject to consultation; the proposals would also ban smoking outside hospitals while allowing vaping in those areas, the Department of Health says.

Labour has proposed new restrictions that would ban smoking and vaping in playgrounds, outside schools and in cars carrying children. The measures are set out in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and are currently the subject of a government consultation. The proposals also would ban smoking outside hospitals while allowing vaping there, according to the Department of Health. Officials say the aim is to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke for children and medically vulnerable people. What is reported: - The bill would prohibit smoking or vaping in playgrounds, outside schools and in vehicles carrying under-18s. - Smoking would be banned outside hospitals and other health facilities while vaping would still be permitted in those outdoor hospital areas, the DoH said. - Outdoor hospitality areas and wide-open public spaces such as beaches are reported as exemptions from the proposed rules. - The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is progressing through Parliament and the government has opened a consultation on how outdoor boundaries and exemptions would be set. Summary: The proposals are described as targeted measures to protect children and patients from exposure to second-hand smoke, and to make indoor places already smoke-free also free of heated tobacco and vaping where relevant. The next step is the government consultation on implementation details while the bill continues to progress through Parliament.