Government launches consultation to extend smoke-free and vape-free spaces to schools, playgrounds, and hospitals across England to better protect children and vulnerable people from second-hand smoke

Children and vulnerable people in England could soon enjoy cleaner air in schools, playgrounds, and hospitals, as the government launches a consultation to expand smoke-free and vape-free zones.

The initiative forms part of the broader 10 Year Health Plan, which aims to shift focus from treating illness to preventing it.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, emphasized that “no child in a playground or hospital patient should suffer because someone else chooses to smoke.”

The consultation seeks public input on proposals to prevent smoking, vaping, or the use of heated tobacco in public areas where children and patients are most exposed.

What Spaces Will Be Covered

Under the new proposals, playgrounds, schools, and healthcare outdoor areas would become smoke-free and heated tobacco-free.

Indoor spaces, which are already smoke-free, may also see vaping and heated tobacco use restricted.

Importantly, the measures will not affect outdoor hospitality settings such as pub gardens, wide-open public parks, or private homes.

The government has stressed that the rules aim to target areas with the greatest risk of second-hand smoke exposure without placing undue burden on businesses.

Why Action Is Needed

Second-hand smoke is harmful even outdoors, with immediate effects like coughing, headaches, and eye irritation.

Long-term exposure increases the risk of chronic illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory issues.

Children, pregnant women, and people with existing health conditions are particularly at risk.

Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, highlighted the dangers: “People who do not smoke but who are exposed to second-hand smoke can suffer significant harmful effects on their health.

The risks are greatest for children, pregnant women, and people with medical conditions.”

Vaping also poses concerns, particularly for young people and those with lung vulnerabilities, though research into its long-term effects is ongoing.

Limiting vaping in indoor public spaces aims to prevent uptake and protect those sensitive to aerosols and chemicals.

Backing from Health Organizations

Leading health organizations have voiced strong support for the consultation.

Dr. Charmaine Griffiths of the British Heart Foundation stressed the importance of protecting children and patients from deadly smoke, while Cancer Research UK’s Dr. Ian Walker described the consultation as an opportunity to ensure policies are guided by robust evidence.

Hazel Cheeseman from Action on Smoking and Health praised smokefree laws as “one of the greatest public health successes of the last 20 years” and emphasized that extending protections to outdoor spaces aligns with public expectations.

Peter Roderick of the Association of Directors of Public Health added that smoke-free spaces save lives and protect future generations.

Sarah Sleet, CEO of Asthma + Lung UK, pointed out that even brief exposure to second-hand smoke can harm the lungs, making the extension of smoke-free and vape-free zones a critical step for public health.

Consultation Details

The consultation will explore practical matters such as setting outdoor boundaries, possible exemptions, designated smoking areas, and how to inform the public about the rules.

Any regulations would have at least six months between being finalized and coming into force, allowing time for public awareness campaigns.

Enforcement would follow existing smoke-free laws, which have historically seen high compliance.

Business Minister Kate Dearden emphasized that the proposals are designed to protect children and families without overburdening pubs, restaurants, or the hospitality sector.

Outdoor hospitality areas were specifically excluded after stakeholder feedback.

What’s Next?

After the consultation period, the government will review feedback and finalize regulations.

These measures will work alongside the Tobacco and Vapes Bill currently progressing through Parliament, which aims to create a smoke-free generation and prevent young people from developing lifelong addictions.

Public health experts hope these steps will be implemented swiftly to maximize protection for children and vulnerable populations.

Summary

The UK government is consulting on new smoke-free, vape-free, and heated tobacco-free measures targeting playgrounds, schools, and hospital grounds to safeguard children and medically vulnerable people.

Indoor spaces may also see vaping restrictions, while outdoor hospitality and private spaces remain unaffected.

Health leaders have strongly backed the proposals, highlighting the immediate and long-term dangers of second-hand smoke.

The consultation will inform the rollout of regulations that complement the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aiming to create a healthier generation and reduce preventable harm.