Plans to make Brighton beach a smoke-free zone revealed

Brighton beach would become a 'no smoking' area under the plans Credit: PA

Brighton beach could become a smoke-free zone under new plans drawn up by the city council.

Councillors at the Brighton and Hove authority will discuss tomorrow whether to extend the current smoking ban in indoor public places - such as pubs, cafés and shopping centres - to include outdoor spaces too.

If agreed, a 12-week public consultation will begin on Wednesday.

Health campaigners have welcomed the move, which would also apply to parks and would replace the council's voluntary ban on smoking in children's play areas.

But pro-smoking group Forest labelled the proposals "unnecessary" and "unjust".

Forest director Simon Clark said while smokers should do so responsibly, the ban amounted to an "attack on individual freedom".

This could become a thing of the past on Brighton beach if plans go ahead Credit: PA

The national ban on smoking in workplaces and enclosed public areas was introduced in 2007, and in October of this year it will be illegal to smoke tobacco in cars carrying children.

Smoking is linked to more than 80,000 deaths a year - and Deborah Arnott, chief executive of health charity Ash (Action on Smoking and Health), said extending the ban could benefit both the environment and public health.

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