UK Scales Back Outdoor Smoking Ban, Raising Concerns for Public Health
Plans to outlaw smoking in pub gardens are dropped, but new restrictions will target playgrounds, schools, and hospitals to curb second-hand smoke and smoking normalization.
- The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will ban smoking in outdoor areas like playgrounds and outside schools and hospitals but excludes pub gardens to protect the hospitality industry.
- Experts warn that second-hand smoke poses risks even outdoors, particularly for hospitality workers and individuals with pre-existing health conditions like asthma.
- Public health advocates argue that outdoor smoking bans help denormalize smoking, reducing its appeal to young people and encouraging smokers to quit.
- The World Health Organization maintains there is no safe level of second-hand smoke exposure, with even low levels potentially exacerbating health issues such as asthma and heart disease.
- Critics express concern over the decision to exclude hospitality venues, citing occupational exposure risks for workers and potential setbacks in anti-smoking efforts.
The Telegraph 
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Evening Standard 