A new report has suggested that smoking could be banned from pub gardens under government plans.
The report from The Sun said that the potential changes in smoking rules could come as part of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's stricter Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
The newspaper further reports that the Whitehall papers they saw show ministers extending the indoor smoking ban to beer gardens, outside stadiums, and outdoor restaurants.
The ban could also apply to outside universities, hospitals, sports grounds, small parks, and children's play areas.
The plans are also expected to impact vapers along with shisha bars, reports The Sun.
However, the minister's plans do not cover private homes or large open spaces like streets and parks.
The Sun reports that the Bill was first created as part of Rishi Sunak's plan to phase out all smoking by raising the age restriction each year.
It is understood that Ministers are creating proposals to stop members of the public from suffering from second-hand smoke inhalation.
Leaked Whitehall documents reveal plans to extend indoor smoking ban to certain outside spaces, such as pub gardens
Keir Starmer has not ruled out the idea of smoking being banned in some outdoor spaces, including pub gardens and outside restaurants, as ministers consider fresh tobacco curbs that hospitality groups say could adversely affect the sector.
It is understood Downing Street is in favour of a series of measures outlined in documents connected to the planned wider tobacco and vapes bill, details of which were seen by the Sun.
According to the Sun, it would also impose new restrictions on outdoor smoking, including outdoor spaces at, and pavements outside, clubs and restaurants, as well as at universities, children’s play areas and small parks.
Ministers could target vapers as well as shisha bars, it said. The restrictions would not cover private homes or large open spaces, such as parks, or streets.
Asked about the report during a visit to Paris, Starmer did not deny the plans. “My starting point on this is to remind everybody that over 80,000 people lose their lives every year because of smoking,” he said.
“That is a preventable death, it’s a huge burden on the NHS and, of course, it is a burden on the taxpayer. So, yes, we are going to take decisions in this space, more details will be revealed, but this is a preventable series of deaths and we’ve got to take action to reduce the burden on the NHS and the taxpayer.”
The prime minister added: “It is important to get the balance right, but everybody … who uses the NHS will know that it’s on its knees.”
While precise plans for the curbs are likely to change after consultations, it is understood that ministers are in favour of many of the suggested ideas to limit outdoor smoking.
Last month’s king’s speech, which set out the tobacco and vapes bill, detailed the gradual age ban but made no mention of an outdoor ban.
While health experts backed the proposals, the hospitality industry said it could particularly impact pubs, and anti-smoking groups said it was important to allow some outdoor spaces for smoking, so people did not simply smoke at home, which creates even more adverse health effects.
Dr Layla McCay, the director of policy at the NHS Confederation, said she was “heartened” to see progress being made on abolishing smoking.
She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It is absolutely the health challenge of our time. It’s the leading cause of preventable illness in the UK, so we are heartened to see that progress is being made and that the intention is moving forward to really address one of Britain’s main drivers of health inequalities.”
Kate Nicholls, the chief executive of UKHospitality, which represents thousands of pubs, restaurants and cafes, said a ban raised the prospect of “serious economic harm” to venues.
“You only have to look back to the significant pub closures we saw after the indoor smoking ban to see the potential impact it could have,” she said. Nicholls called on the government to hold a “detailed conversation” with affected parties on the impact of such a ban before any legislation was put in place.
William Lees-Jones, the head of JW Lees brewery which owns and operates 150 pubs, inns and hotels mainly in north-west England and north Wales, said the idea was a “bolt from the blue” which had not been discussed with industry. He said it would be “really bad for business” and could “shut a lot of pubs”.
“People who smoke are pretty determined and will walk 10 yards down the road and smoke there, which will annoy other people,” he added.
However, Tim Martin, the boss of JD Wetherspoon, said he did not think a ban would have a “big effect” on business: “The question is whether the government should interfere in individual liberties, where danger is involved.”
Potential Impact on the Hospitality Industry
The proposed ban on smoking in outdoor spaces has sparked concerns among hospitality businesses, who fear it could negatively impact their operations. Some argue that the ban could lead to pub closures, job losses, and a decrease in revenue.
Public Health Concerns
The UK government's rationale behind the proposed ban is to reduce the number of preventable deaths linked to tobacco use and protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke. The plan aims to create a smoke-free environment and reduce the burden on the NHS.
Future of Smoking in the UK
The government's proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill signifies a significant shift in the UK's approach to tobacco control. The plan to gradually outlaw smoking, along with potential restrictions on vaping, aims to create a healthier environment and reduce the health risks associated with tobacco use.
The impact of these proposed changes remains to be seen. The government's ultimate goal is to create a smoke-free society, but striking a balance between public health and the concerns of the hospitality industry will be crucial. The next few months will be telling as the government develops and implements its plans.
