Coventry News

COVENTRY could be among the first UK cities to ban smoking outdoors.

The council is considering plans to create a smoke-free square in Millennium Place in the city centre.

It would stop smokers lighting up there during the Olympic and Paralympics Games next summer.

The temporary ban has been proposed by Coventry’s Smokefree Alliance to protect children from harmful secondhand smoke while they watch the Games on the big screen.

Coun Joe Clifford, chairman of the Smokefree Alliance in Coventry, said it would be similar to a smaller boycott at the temporary beach created in Smithford Way several years ago.

He said: “This is about keeping children and families safe while they watch the sport.

“I can’t imagine too many people would argue against that.”

Smoking is currently banned in enclosed public spaces, such as pubs, restaurants, offices and under certain types of outdoor shelters.

Plans are now underway nationally to ban smoking in cars to protect children.

MPs will debate a private members bill - backed by the British Medical Association - on the ban this week.

However, Coventry wants to go even further by banning smoking in an open area, albeit temporarily.

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