Member

The shadow Minister and other hon. Members raised the issue of smokefree places and amendments 84, 85 and 92 to 102 would limit those powers. I reassure all hon. and right hon. Members that in England we intend to consult on extending smokefree outdoor places to outside schools, children’s playgrounds and hospitals. Private outdoor spaces are out of scope of the Bill’s powers, and we recognise that now is not the right time to extend smokefree places to outdoor hospitality settings. The powers, as currently drafted, ensure that the Bill is appropriately future-proofed. Any regulations made under the clauses will be subject to a statutory consultation to ensure that there is sufficient scrutiny of any extension and as health is devolved, the devolved Governments will decide which places they wish to designate as smokefree.