Smoking set to be banned outside hospitals - but not in beer gardens

Smoking is to be banned outside schools and hospitals as part of a crackdown on the UK's biggest killer and most common cause of cancer.

- Denis Campbell

But the government has dropped plans to ban smoking outside pubs and restaurants, prompting campaigners to complain about "vested interests" covertly influencing policy.

The extension of the ban on indoor smoking to some outdoor settings is contained in the delayed tobacco and vapes bill, which will be laid before parliament today.

It would make the UK the first country to eradicate smoking, by raising the age at which people can buy cigarettes by one year every year until no one can legally do so.

The legislation will ban the advertising of vapes following alarm over a rise in the number of children and young people taking up the habit. It will also restrict the flavours, packaging and marketing of vapes.

The hospitality trade welcomed the decision not to prohibit smoking outside pubs, cafes and restaurants.