Knowsley Council is introducing new smoke and vape-free zones in designated public areas across the borough in a bid to protect the health of children and young people.
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness in Knowsley and continues to contribute significantly to health inequalities. The scheme aims to reduce smoking and vaping among children and young people, encourage more people to quit smoking, and reduce children’s exposure to second-hand smoke and vapour in public spaces.
Spaces covered by the new smoke and vape-free zones will include playgrounds and play areas, schools, libraries and other Council-owned buildings.
To implement the zones, Knowsley Council is introducing Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). PSPOs are legal tools which allow the Council to enforce the smoke and vape free zones.
Under the rules of the PSPO, Knowsley Council will be able to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to anyone who continues to smoke or vape in one of the designated zones. However, enforcement will be used only where necessary, with the Council adopting a supportive, phased and intelligence-led approach.
To mark the launch of the scheme, representatives from Knowsley Council met students and teachers at Halewood C of E Primary School and The Prescot School to discuss the new smoke and vape free zones and the impact they will have.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, said: “The introduction of smoke and vape free zones will help improve health outcomes in Knowsley and tackle the rise of vaping amongst our younger population.
“Too many children in Knowsley are exposed to second-hand smoke when attending school or visiting playgrounds and libraries across the borough. By introducing these zones, we can help create healthier environments and support children to live healthy, happy lives.
“We also recognise that many people use vapes as a tool to quit smoking. That’s why we are introducing dedicated Quit Zones to support adults who are using vaping products as part of their quit journey.”
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “We want Knowsley’s communities to be safe and healthy places for residents and visitors to enjoy. By introducing smoke and vape free spaces, we can ensure that families can enjoy our borough without the health implications of second-hand smoke and our children aren’t exposed to vaping.”
The PSPO in Knowsley comes ahead of a new law that will make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.
The Tobacco & Vapes Act will be brought in on 1 January 2027, with the health and wellbeing of future generations at its core. It also introduces tougher controls on vape advertising and access for young people and, subject to consultation, will allow smoke-free rules to be extended to places such as playgrounds, schools and hospitals.
Dr Sarah McNulty, Director of Public Health for Knowsley and Lead Director for Cheshire and Merseyside’s All Together Smoke Free programme, said: “We know that two in three smokers will have their lives cut short, with 74,600 lives across Cheshire and Merseyside being lost to smoking-related illnesses every single year.
“We can change this though, and the new Tobacco & Vapes Act is a step in the right direction to prevent young people from ever starting smoking, helping us to create the country’s first-ever smoke-free generation.
“Part of this landmark law will see some social spaces become smoke-free and this is being consulted upon at the moment. However, as we mark 100 days until the Act comes in, it’s great to see Knowsley leading the way and bringing in this rule now to help protect children and young people from smoke and vapes in the spaces where they are most likely to be.”
The decision to introduce smoke and vape free zones was made following consultation with residents and partners, including Merseyside Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The consultation found strong support for the scheme from residents, schools and community organisations, with respondents highlighting the public health, environmental and community safety benefits.
Smoke and vape-free zones will be rolled out over the coming weeks across the borough.