Call to ban smoking in public parks

Smoking in parks and squares should be banned to help people quit and stop young people seeing adults lighting up, experts have said.

Health officials say the move would allow people to enjoy clean air and exercise in the public spaces - and most importantly, dissuade others from taking up the habit.

But critics have called the move 'draconian' and say there is no evidence of any health risks from second hand smoke in such large areas.

Writing in the British Medical Journal, Lord Ara Darzi and Oliver Keown, of the Institute of Global Health Innovation, said banning smoking in pubs and other public buildings was 'a public health triumph' - and extending it to public parks and squares is 'a logical progression.'

They argued an extension 'is an opportunity to celebrate the great beacon of healthy living, clean air, and physical activity our green spaces are designed for.

'And, crucially, it is an opportunity to support our population - young and old - to make healthier lifestyle choices easier.'

They added that reducing the geographical area where people can smoke, and by limiting people being exposed to smoking, would tackle the idea of smoking being a commonplace activity.

This means people - especially teenagers - will no longer see smoking as normal or admirable.

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