During the Covid-19 pandemic, more than ever, children have been making use of outdoor space and parks. We are seeking to petition the government to ban smoking outdoors in any park or open space which contains children’s play equipment. Children should not be exposed to second-hand smoke in any way but especially not in playgrounds which are supposed to be safe spaces for them to play:

- Similar bans have already been put in place for adults smoking in cars with children under 18. That followed the 2007 ban of smoking in enclosed public places like bars and restaurants.

- While the ban on smoking in indoor public places resulted in significant health benefits, thousands of children are still exposed to smoke in public spaces. Banning it in those locations would protect children from secondhand smoke and enable them to have a safe space to learn and play.

- Smoking being banned in parks with children's playgrounds reduces the chances of children growing up thinking that using cigarettes is normal.