Government plans to ban smoking outside schools and playgrounds - BBC Newsround

The government has announced plans to make it illegal to smoke outside schools and in children's playgrounds in England.

They also want to ban smoking outside of hospitals and have said that some outdoor places could become vape-free.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill would also make it impossible for anyone currently aged 15 or under to buy cigarettes - something voted for by MP's under the previous government.

The Health Secretary Wes Streeting says the government are taking "bold action" to create a smoke free generation.

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The proposed bans will help protect young people from the effects of smoking

Smoking rules have changed over the years, mainly becoming stricter as time goes on.

Indoor smoking was first banned in 2007 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the year before in Scotland.

Then back in 2015 smoking in a vehicle with an under 18 inside was banned.

Many people have always believed that this ban should be extended to places such as outside schools to protect young people.

However, not everyone will be happy about the proposed changes.

Over the coming months these plans, along with others such as a ban on the sale of single-use disposable vapes from June, will be open to public debate.

As well as banning smoking in some outdoor spaces the government are considering outdoor vaping bans too in some places

The government are keen to pass this bill and help reduce the pressure that smoking puts on the NHS.

According to the NHS smoking is one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK.

Many health charities have welcomed the discussion of the bill.

The charity, Action on Smoking and Health, say the plans "would help create a country where young people would never start smoking".

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