The government has launched a consultation aimed at widening restrictions on smoking, vaping and heated tobacco products across England. The consultation runs for 12 weeks, ending on 8th May 2026.
The proposed restrictions include banning their use in children’s playgrounds and outside schools. Indoor spaces, where smoking is already banned, would also become vape-free and heated tobacco-free, subject to consultation.
This includes on public transport, work vehicles and private vehicles where children aged 17 and under are passengers. Meanwhile, the hospital grounds and other healthcare settings would become smoke free, but vaping would remain permitted to help smokers quit.
The plans are part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England, which aims to shift the focus of the NHS from sickness to prevention. These regulations also bolster the measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which is currently in its Report Stage of the Lords and therefore close to receiving Royal Assent.
The proposed restrictions follow research that shows second-hand smoke is harmful even outdoors, with children and medically vulnerable people at greatest risk.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care 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.”
Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive at Asthma + Lung UK, added: “The risks of smoking are well documented, but vaping among non-smokers – particularly young people – is also a real concern. More research is needed into the long-term impact of vaping, but in the meantime a ban in indoor public spaces would help to reduce uptake and protect people whose lung conditions are triggered by vaping.”
Vaping Duty to begin this year
Meanwhile from the beginning of April any companies that are manufacturing or importing vaping products into the UK must apply for approval for the Vaping Products Duty and the Vaping Duty Stamps Scheme. The duty will need to be paid from 1st October onwards.
Businesses will also have to attach a vaping duty stamp on all their retail packaging. These secure labels showing that the vaping product is legal. Companies can only acquire these from the government-approved supplier following approval by the HMRC.
The government said the duty will be set at a single flat rate of £2.20 for a 10ml bottle on all vaping liquid. If businesses are not approved by 1 October 2026, they cannot lawfully produce vaping products in the UK, and if they do, they will be subject to civil and criminal sanctions, potentially leading to prison sentences.
In recent years Ecl-ips has been supporting schools to help tackle the challenge that vaping among young people has given them. By installing Halo Smart Sensors in their toilets, schools have been able to monitor the problem and take swift action to stop it. Charlotte Slattery, Deputy Head at St Joseph’s College, Stoke-on-Trent said: “The impact in our school toilets has been instant!” If you want to find out more, please get in touch.