Overview

• 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.