The Royal College of Physicians has called for smoking in all private cars and outdoor spaces where children gather to be banned.
Twenty of the country’s most senior doctors have put their names to a letter calling for the ban in today’s Times.
The signatories, including 13 presidents of medical royal colleges, urged the government to adopt a comprehensive strategy to cut adult smoking and children’s smoke exposure outside and inside the home.
About two million children are exposed to cigarette smoke at home, with a child twice as likely to take up the habit if a close family member smokes, said the experts.
Although it does not specifically mention pub gardens or outdoor areas the call is bound to increase trades fears that such a ban is on the agenda.
