Vaping will be banned in cars carrying children, as well as in playgrounds and outside schools, under new government plans.
The action will also extend existing indoor smoking bans, for example in workplaces and on public transport, to include vaping too.
Furthermore, smoking will be banned outside hospitals and other health facilities, though vaping will be allowed for the sake of smokers trying to quit.
Outdoor areas near hospitality venues like pubs and restaurants will be exempt, along with “wide-open public spaces” like beaches.
The plan, which is subject to consultation, will not stop people smoking in their homes or private outdoor spaces.
Health chiefs say the action aims to protect children and vulnerable people from breathing in second-hand smoke.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “No child in a playground or hospital patient should suffer because someone else chooses to smoke.
“Second-hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer and we want to protect children and the sick from harm.
“Prevention is better than cure, so this government is taking pressure off the NHS and building a healthier Britain where everyone lives well for longer.”
Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, said: “People who do not smoke but who are exposed to second-hand smoke can suffer significant harmful effects on their health, including an increased risk of asthma, poor birth outcomes, several cancers, stroke and heart disease.
“The health risks are greatest for children, pregnant women and people with medical conditions.
“No smoker wants to harm people, but with second-hand smoke they do – and these measures would reduce the harm second-hand smoke causes the most medically vulnerable in our society.”
The Department of Health said the consultation marks an “important step” towards the passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is being considered by parliament.
The consultation will consider how outdoor boundaries are set and consider possible exemptions, with a view to making the rules workable and proportionate.
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Business minister Kate Dearden said: “These are targeted proposals to protect children and families from second-hand smoke and vaping, without placing extra pressure on pubs, restaurants, or the wider hospitality sector.
“We have been clear that we will support businesses, and after listening to their concerns, we have excluded outdoor hospitality spaces from these changes.”
