'Voluntary' ban on smoking outdoors

A council is trying to stop smokers lighting up outside by promoting a "voluntary smoking ban" in parks and playgrounds.

Islington council has put up posters near children's play areas warning: "As part of our initiative to help promote healthy living, we are operating a voluntary smoking ban within our playground and sports area."

Although park wardens will ask people to stop smoking, they will have no power to enforce the ban if those people refuse.

The posters are another example of a growing movement towards restricting smoking in public.

A recent survey by the Mayor of London found 78 per cent of the capital's residents were in favour of a ban on smoking in indoor public spaces.

Smokers' rights groups claim Islington is trying to sneak through a ban on smoking in public places by the back door.

Pro-smoking lobby Forest said: "The council should have the courage to come out and say they are in favour of a ban, not try to introduce it through this back-door method."

Councillor Bridget Fox said: "We're asking people not to smoke around small children in their play areas. I think that's perfectly reasonable."