Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly abandoning a proposed ban on smoking in pub and restaurant gardens. While smokers will still be prohibited from lighting up outside hospitals and schools, the government is expected to scrap the idea of extending the outdoors smoking ban to include pubs and racecourses, as per The Sun.
The reconsideration of the ban comes after pub landlords and hospitality chiefs expressed outrage, warning that customers would be discouraged and their livelihoods put at risk. The initial proposal, introduced in late August, aimed to address the impact of smoking-related diseases on the NHS and public health.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting had called for a “national debate” on the issue, emphasizing the need for both healthcare system reform and public health initiatives to address the growing health challenges faced by the population. Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty had supported a broader outdoor smoking ban, which would include areas outside hospitals, nightclubs, sports venues, and small parks.
While the ban is expected to apply only to England, devolved governments may opt to implement similar regulations. Critics of the ban highlighted the economic repercussions, especially for the hospitality industry, which has already seen a significant number of pub closures and job losses in recent years.
UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls raised concerns about the potential economic harm to venues that have invested in outdoor spaces, citing the impact of previous indoor smoking bans on pub closures. On the other hand, Action on Smoking and Health CEO Deborah Arnott praised the government’s efforts to align with public expectations of smoke-free outdoor areas.
As discussions continue on the proposed smoking ban, it remains crucial to strike a balance between public health objectives and the economic sustainability of businesses in the hospitality sector. The decision to abandon the ban on smoking in pub gardens reflects the ongoing dialogue between policymakers, industry stakeholders, and public health advocates.