Brighton seeks views on beach smoking ban

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-33617119

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Smoking could be banned on Brighton beach in a bid to create an environment free from second-hand smoke, particularly for children.

Brighton and Hove City Council's health and wellbeing board has voted to begin a 12-week public consultation to gauge people's views on the idea.

It is believed the city would be the first in Britain to ban lighting up on the seashore as well as in its parks.

The move has been criticised by smokers' group Forest.

The council said second-hand smoke had been linked to about 165,000 new cases of disease among children in the UK each year, adding that children exposed to passive smoke had a higher risk of respiratory infections, asthma, bacterial meningitis and cot death.

In Brighton and Hove, 25.2% of people smoke, higher than the national average of 18%.

'Unfounded scaremongering'

"The health benefits of smoke-free areas and protecting children from second-hand smoke are well established," said Daniel Yates, chair of the health and wellbeing board.

"We're keen to keep people safe from the effects of smoking in public areas, especially children who are most vulnerable.

"However, we also want to ensure any measures taken have support of residents in the city."

A "voluntary" smoke-free scheme already exists in 42 of the city's children's playgrounds.

Forest director Simon Clark said: "Extending the smoking ban to open spaces is unnecessary, unjust and another attack on individual freedom.

"These persistent attacks on people's lifestyle, and the unfounded scaremongering about the risk to others, must stop."