Southend-on-Sea City Council in Essex has officially supported a government plan to stop people from smoking and vaping in children’s playgrounds and on hospital grounds. The council announced its support on 11 March 2026 to help reduce the harm caused by second-hand smoke and the growing number of young people using vapes. This push for cleaner air in public spaces coincided with National No Smoking Day.
The move is part of a national consultation by the UK Government that looks at creating more smoke-free, heated tobacco-free, and vape-free outdoor spaces across England. Southend-on-Sea City Council confirmed it will submit a strong formal response to the government to push for these tighter rules in play areas, outside schools and hospital grounds.
Cllr Maxine Sadza, the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said that in the future, people will likely look back at smoking near play areas and wonder why it was ever allowed. The council is currently working with Everyone Health to provide support for residents who want to quit smoking, while its Trading Standards team continues to work to stop the sale of illegal tobacco products in the city.
The public consultation first opened on 13 February 2026 and is set to close on 8 May 2026. Local families are being encouraged to share their views on the Smoke-free, heated tobacco-free and vape-free places in England consultation before the deadline to help decide how outdoor spaces are managed in the future.
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