February 1, 2022. A new law has come into force in Northern Ireland banning smoking in cars when children are present, BBC News reported.
It is already illegal to smoke on public transport or in shared work vehicles and smoking in vehicles carrying children is now banned in Northern Ireland. This brings the country into line with England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, which came into force in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
In addition, the sale of e-cigarettes and other nicotine inhalation products to children under 18 will be banned, ACCORDING to BBC News. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and environmental health officers will be able to impose fines of up to £2,500 for breaches of the ban.
Cancer Focus NI welcomed the new laws, saying they would protect children's health and stop them seeing smoking as natural.
"We know that children who regularly see adults smoking are more likely to try smoking," said Naomi Thompson from Cancer Focus NI.
Health Minister Robin Swann said although tobacco use among young people had been steadily declining, it was still the leading cause of preventable ill health and premature death.