The indoor smoking ban is set to be extended to certain outdoor settings across the UK, the Government has announced.
As part of a long-mentioned plan to create a ‘smokefree generation’ by phasing-out the sale of tobacco products to anyone aged 15 or younger nationwide from this year, and ultimately “break the cycle of addiction and disadvantage”, the Government has now introduced a new Tobacco and Vapes Bill to Parliament.
Health Ministers says the Bill will bring about tougher action to better protect the public, the NHS, and the economy from the harms of smoking.
As recent statistics have shown that smoking claims around 80,000 lives a year in the UK, which costs taxpayers £3.1 billion annually due to pressures on the NHS, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill forms part of the Government’s reform agenda to “shift the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention”.
Ultimately, the Bill is aiming to address one of the biggest risk factors driving poor health – smoking.
ADVERTISEMENT
Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death, disability and ill health in the UK.
That’s why we’re preventing young people from ever starting.
As well as the phasing-out of tobacco to anyone aged 15 or younger, the Government says it’s also considering giving powers to extend the indoor smoking ban to specific outdoor spaces – with children’s playgrounds, the outside of schools, and hospitals, all being considered, subject to consultation.
Extending restrictions in places that are currently smoke free to also become vape free, especially in areas where there are children and young adults, is also being considered.
ADVERTISEMENT
“These measures will help protect children from becoming hooked on nicotine while continuing to enable adult smokers to use vapes as a quit aid,” a Government spokesperson explained.
The new Tobacco and Vapes Bill is set to sit alongside the already-announced ban on vape advertising and sponsorship, as well as the powers to restrict the flavours, display, and packaging of all types of vapes.
It also follows the news that disposable vapes are due to be banned from 1 June next year, which was announced towards the end of last month.
ADVERTISEMENT
Our Tobacco and Vapes Bill will protect the public, NHS and economy from the harms of smoking.
We plan to:
🚭 ban smoking outside schools, children’s playgrounds and hospitals
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) November 5, 2024
“Unless we act to help people stay healthy, the rising tide of ill-health in our society threatens to overwhelm and bankrupt our NHS,” explained Health Sectretary, Wes Streeting.
“Prevention is better than cure. This Government is taking bold action to create the first smokefree generation, clamp down on kids getting hooked on nicotine through vapes, and protect children and vulnerable people from the harms of second-hand smoke.
Streeting says this “historic” legislation will “save thousands of lives” and “protect the NHS”.
The funds will help improve the already incredible music scene in Manchester, benefitting staples likes Night and Day Café, Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club, SOUP and more.
All of the donations will be distributed across six independent music venues and will be used for various instruments, PA equipment, backline technology and other necessities depending on the requirements of each site.
Elbow have teamed up with Co-op Live in aid of supporting Manchester grassroots venues.Credit: Supplied
This initiative has been keeping Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to live music as well as the impressive Co-op Live.
Alongside providing vital resources for these local institutions, Elbow teaming up with Co-op Live also helps cement the North West as one of the main powerhouses in relation to live music.
The latest efforts from the largest indoor arena in Manchester fall in line with celebrating one year of bringing some of the best live music to the city, being officially open for 12 months in May.
Co-op Live have made a commitment to the people and the planet, promising to donate £1 million annually to the Co-op Foundation.
The stunning Co-op Live venue, Manchester’s largest indoor arena.Elbow performing at Co-op Live, marking history as the first act to grace the venue.Credit: Audio North/Supplied
Manchester’s latest live music venue also contributed significantly to selected charities, including Happy Doggo – chosen by Liam Gallagher and Eric Clapton’s addiction recovery centre, Crossroads.
As Elbow teams up with Co-op Live, even more money is making its way to necessary resources, this time in the likes of crucial live music establishments.
Elbow front-person Guy Garvey says: “Playing Co-op Live’s opening night will stay with us for a lifetime, not least because of how incredible the room sounded.”
“When the venue donated funds in our name to support the city we love, it made complete sense to carry that through to the Northern Quarter and to venues that have meant so much to my bandmates and I throughout our career.”
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live, adds: “In the past year, I have been proud to see Co-op Live become an integral part of such an incredible city.”
“Teaming up with Elbow to directly support the venues that first put Manchester on the map, and to share something so intrinsic to us as venues – proper sound – is something truly special.”
Police launch investigation after a 19-year-old is stabbed in broad daylight at an Oldham retail park
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a stabbing in a ‘very public place’ in Oldham yesterday afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to Alexandra Retail Park in Oldham yesterday afternoon ( Sunday 30 March 2025) at 3:25pm, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed.
The victim was taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries’, and GMP assures that he and his family are being supported at this time.
A scene remains in place at the retail park and some of the surrounding areas while the investigation is ongoing, and a large police presence can also been seen too as officers continue to collect evidence and piece together the events of what happened.
Police also believe the attack to be an ‘isolated incident’ with those involved known to each other, indicating no threat to the wider public.
“We understand this incident is shocking and took place in a very public space,” commented Inspector Andrew Clayton.
“There have been no arrests so far, but enquiries are ongoing to determine who is responsible. At this stage, we do believe the attack to be an isolated incident involving those known to one another.”
Alexandra Retail Park, where the incident occurred yesterday afternoon / Credit: Google Maps
In a bid to gather as much information as possible, a public police appeal has been made.
Inspector Clayton continues: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses so far, but would encourage anyone who believes they have any information or dash cam footage which could assist our investigation, particularly that which may help us identify the perpetrators, to come forward.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 1757 of 30/03/25, or by getting in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.