Laura Sharman 07 November 2016

A third of councils forcing vapers to use smoking shelters

Nearly a third of councils are ignoring expert advice by forcing vapers to use the same designated spaces as smokers, according to new research.

A freedom of information request by The Freedom Association found 29% of councils require e-cigarette users to vape in designated smoking shelters.

The majority (87%) also have the same policy on staff vaping as they do on smoking, despite Public Health England recommending councils have separate vaping policies in place.

The research found that only one council - the London Borough of Enfield - allows vaping indoors and actively encourages staff to vape instead of smoking tobacco.

Andrew Allison, head of campaigns for The Freedom Association and the report's author, said: ‘Public Health England stated earlier this year that smoke free policies should display a clear distinction between vaping and smoking, and that it is never acceptable to require vapers to share the same outdoor space with smokers. It is clear from this report that the vast majority of councils across the UK are ignoring this advice.

‘All councils should now review their vaping policies in-line with the recommendations of Public Health England. Those councils who currently require vapers to vape in designated smoking areas, should now immediately change their policies, and all councils allow some form of indoor vaping based on the current evidence that indoor vaping does not constitute a risk to public health.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Health Care and Education Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 - £24,404 pro rata
Health Care & Education Assistant  Grade 2  £24,027 - £24,404 pro rata  34 hours per week, Term Time Only Temporary – required as soon as possible unt Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 / £39,513- £43,693 pro rata i.e. grade 9 pre progression/grade 11 post progression
Applications are invited for a part-time 22.5 hour Social Worker vacancy currently within the Hospital Discharge East Team, temporary until 31st March Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Senior Highways Engineer

Hounslow London Borough Council
£50,754 – £53,607 per annum
Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents, doing all we can to make lives as good as they can be. Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Senior Engineer x 2

Hounslow London Borough Council
£47,532 –£55,620 per annum
Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents, doing all we can to make lives as good as they can be. Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Assistant Director for Safeguarding

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
£108,258
Recognised for our innovation and investment, this is a fantastic opportunity to join our leadership team Rotherham, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner