More smoke-free areas proposed for Brighton & Hove

Plans to increase the number of outdoor smoke-free areas in Brighton and Hove will be considered by top council and NHS representatives at a meeting on Tuesday 15 December.

The city’s health and wellbeing board will be asked to agree smoke-free zones at the entrances to school gates and children’s centres, and also in children’s play parks.

Public health officials could also be asked to work with restaurants and pubs to encourage smoke-free outdoor areas on a voluntary basis.

However, the board will be asked not to extend smoke-free places to parks and beaches.

The proposals take into account the findings of a public consultation to which more than 1,900 people responded. A majority of respondents – both smokers and non-smokers – agreed that play parks and school and children’s centre entrances should become smoke-free.

A majority of residents agreed that it was anti-social to smoke where people were eating and drinking. Many non-smokers said they would be more likely to use restaurants and pubs with outdoor seating if they were smoke-free.

However, there was little general support for smoke-free parks and beaches.

The chair of the health and wellbeing board, Councillor Daniel Yates, said: “I believe the measures that are being suggested are a common-sense approach and an appropriate reflection of the views of our residents and visitors.

“We’re delighted with the level of response to this consultation."