Smoking could be banned in pub gardens and outdoor restaurants as part of tougher measures against tobacco and vapes.
Leaked government papers seen by the Sun newspaper reportedly show ministers are plotting to extend the indoor smoking ban to outside football stadiums and beer gardens.
Smokers may not be able to sneak off for a cigarette on pavements next to outdoor restaurants or clubs either.
The rules would also apply outside universities, hospitals, sports grounds, kids’ play areas and small parks, according to reports.
Shisha bars may not be allowed under the new rules and policies could also target vapers.
The restrictions are not expected to cover private homes or large open spaces such as parks or streets.
Labour revived plans to phase out smoking and impose restrictions on the sale and marketing of vapes to children earlier this year.
The move, which has the backing of scores of health campaigners and charities, was introduced by the last Conservative government but was shelved after the election was called.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill progressively increases the age at which people can buy tobacco so that future generations will never legally be able to do so.
It prevents anyone born after January 1 2009 from legally smoking by gradually raising the age at which tobacco can be bought.
The Bill also paves the way for reforms to vaping sales and their branding to reduce their appeal to children and young people.
Tougher measures, including an outdoor ban, were not mentioned in the King’s Speech, six weeks ago.
But ministers and officials are rumoured to have been working to harden proposals after fearing too many Brits suffered from breathing in second-hand smoke.
Health experts and doctors welcomed the move, saying the Government was “catching up with what the public expects” by reducing smoking rates and preventing health damage from second-hand smoke.
Deborah Arnott, chief executive of health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) told the Standard: “The priority is to get the Bill back in parliament and put on the statute book, to end smoking for the next generation and curb youth vaping. ASH would support the inclusion of powers to extend smokefree laws outdoors, subject to consultation. The Government is catching up with what the public expects, and that’s not to have to breathe in tobacco smoke in places like children’s play areas and seating areas outside pubs, restaurants and cafes.
“However, it’s also important to ensure that there are still outdoor areas where people who smoke can smoke in the open air, rather than inside their homes.”
The Business Department has also been rumoured to be concerned about the possible knock on effect the decision could have on businesses - with many already struggling with rising costs.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of trade group UKHospitality, told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme: “This is not without economic harm, and it’s not without economic cost to businesses that are providing outside areas for smokers and non-smokers, and also vapers, because I note in some of the reports there’s suggestions that vaping in outside areas could also be restricted.
“This needs to be thought through very carefully before we damage businesses and economic growth and jobs.”
Smoking is the single biggest cause of cancer in the world and is linked to at least 16 types of the disease, including lung, bladder and pancreatic cancer.
The decision to try and phase out smoking has also been supported by England’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty.
Sir Chris said: “A smoke-free country would prevent disease, disability and premature deaths long into the future.
“Smoking causes harm across the life course from stillbirth, asthma in children, cancer, strokes, heart attacks and dementia.
“Most smokers wish they had never started. Second-hand smoke causes harm, including to vulnerable people.
“The Bill to create a smoke-free country in the King’s Speech would be a major step forward in public health.”
A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We do not comment on leaks. Smoking claims 80,000 lives a year, puts huge pressure on our NHS, and costs taxpayers billions.
“We are determined to protect children and non-smokers from the harms of second-hand smoking.
"We’re considering a range of measures to finally make Britain smoke-free.”
