UK Health Secretary Confirms Ban On Bar Smoking Rights, E-cigarette Advertising And Sponsorship

UK Health Secretary confirms ban on bar smoking rights, e-cigarette advertising and sponsorship

The UK Health Secretary has confirmed that new outdoor smoking bans will be implemented around schools and hospitals, but smoking in bars is still allowed. The new law will ban e-cigarette advertising and sponsorship, restrict children's fruit flavored e-cigarettes, and allow the government to impose fines on shops selling tobacco to minors.

According to The Sun on November 5th, the UK government will announce new outdoor smoking bans near playgrounds, schools, and hospitals. However, Health Secretary Wes Streeting will confirm that customers can still smoke in bars.

This decision is a victory for bar owners who oppose smoking bans. Today (5th), legislation submitted to parliament will also ban electronic cigarette advertising and sponsorship.

The new bill will also empower the government to restrict fruit flavored electronic cigarettes that specifically appeal to children, and impose fines on stores that sell tobacco products to minors on site.

The indoor smoking ban in 2007 will be extended to outdoor areas including schools, hospitals, and playgrounds, and specific measures need to be negotiated. These areas may also implement smoke-free policies.

Stirling said,

If we don't take action to help people stay healthy, the rising health problems will overwhelm the National Health Service (NHS)

Prevention is better than cure. The government is taking bold action to create the first smoke-free generation, crack down on minors' exposure to nicotine through electronic cigarettes, and protect children and vulnerable groups from the harm of secondhand smoke

It is reported that disposable electronic cigarettes will be banned across the UK by next summer to prevent British teenagers from becoming addicted to e-cigarettes.