Smoking in cars with children to be banned in North

Smoking in cars in which children are travelling is to be banned in the North, under plans by Stormont Health Minister Robin Swann.

The sale of e-cigarettes to anyone aged under 18 will also be made an offence, under the proposals.

Announcing details of the planned legislation on Sunday, Mr Swann said smoking continues to be a “primary cause of preventable ill-health and premature death in Northern Ireland”.

“It is vital that we maximise our efforts to reduce smoking prevalence and protect people, particularly children, from the effects of second- hand smoke,” he said.

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The proposed regulations would extend current smoke-free regulations for certain places, premises and public transport to private vehicles where children are present.

Regulations are currently enforced by district councils, but a “dual enforcement approach” between district councils and the Police Service of Northern Ireland is planned in relation to policing vehicles.

Fixed penalty notices of £50 will be issued for offences.

A similar penalty will be issued to a separate proposed offence of “failing to prevent smoking in a private smoke-free vehicle”.

Failure to pay a fixed penalty notice could result in a court hearing, where fines on conviction can range up to £2,500, Stormont’s Department of Health said.

“Children and young people are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of second hand smoke as they breathe more rapidly and inhale more pollutants per pound of body weight than adults,” said Mr Swann.

“The Royal College of Physicians has reported that this can lead to increased risk of asthma, lower respiratory infections, middle ear disease, bronchitis, bacterial meningitis and sudden infant death syndrome, as well as reduced respiratory function.

“These planned regulations will play an important role in protecting children from the harms of nicotine addiction and tobacco use. I anticipate that, subject to Assembly approval, these regulations will be operational early next year.”