London: The British government is set to introduce a ban on smoking outside schools, hospitals, and playgrounds as part of its efforts to alleviate pressure on the state-run National Health Service (NHS) and reduce costs for taxpayers.
The government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill will be presented to Parliament on Tuesday, featuring some of the world’s strictest anti-smoking regulations, including restrictions on smoking for younger individuals. However, plans to ban smoking outside pubs and cafes have been scrapped following concerns about potential adverse effects on the hospitality sector.
“Unless we act to help people stay healthy, the rising tide of ill-health in our society threatens to overwhelm and bankrupt our NHS,” said Health Minister Wes Streeting in a statement. “This historic legislation will save thousands of lives.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his support in August for banning smoking in outdoor areas, including pub gardens. In response, the British Beer and Pub Association labeled the proposal “deeply concerning”, arguing it would have a “devastating impact” on establishments already facing financial challenges.
A YouGov poll conducted in September revealed that more than three-quarters of the British public favored a smoking ban outside hospitals, although opinions were more divided regarding similar measures in pub gardens.
Under the new legislation, the government will gain the authority to prohibit smoking in specific outdoor areas such as children’s playgrounds, schools, and hospitals, with plans subject to consultation. The previous Conservative government had introduced similar measures to create the first smoke-free generation, but those proposals did not advance before the summer general election, which resulted in a loss of power for the party.
The legislation aims to ensure that anyone aged 15 or younger this year will be prohibited from purchasing cigarettes, while also seeking to make vaping less appealing to children.
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According to government statistics, smoking accounts for approximately 80,000 deaths annually and costs the economy £21.8 billion ($28.22 billion) each year in lost productivity and health-related expenses—far exceeding tax revenue from tobacco sales.
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Britain implemented a smoking ban in almost all enclosed public spaces, including bars and workplaces, in 2007. Following that legislation, Cancer Research UK reported an estimated decrease of 1.9 million smokers, and research published in the British Medical Journal indicated a reduction of 1,200 hospital admissions for heart attacks in the year after the ban.
