The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has confirmed that proposals to ban smoking in prisons in England and Wales will apply to young offender institutions (YOIs).
Although the MoJ said the plans are yet to be finalised, it is thought the initiative will be piloted next year with a ban taking effect from 2015.
A MoJ spokeswomen said the ban is being considered to help improve the health and wellbeing of inmates and prison staff.
"No decisions have been made. We are considering banning smoking across the prison estate and as part of this are looking at possible sites as early adopters,” she added.
It is estimated that around 80 per cent of the prison population smoke, although only young people aged at least 18-years-old can smoke in YOIs, mirroring the legal age for buying tobacco products.
Campaigners have warned that the ban could be difficult to implement and have a destabilising effect due to offenders feeling their rights are being curtailed.
Andrew Neilson, director of campaigns at the Howard League for Penal Reform, cautiously welcomed the move.
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