Downing Street is currently facing opposition from the hospitality industry and government officials regarding the inclusion of an outdoor smoking ban in the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes bill. Government officials are hesitant to move forward with the ban, citing concerns about the lack of evidence showing that outdoor smoking harms non-smokers. This uncertainty has caused delays in the publication of the bill, which aims to raise the legal age for tobacco purchase gradually until no one can buy tobacco legally in the UK.
Despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s push to eradicate smoking and reduce the annual death toll caused by smoking-related illnesses, No 10 officials are hesitant to implement the outdoor smoking ban due to fears of job losses and pub closures. The UKHospitality trade body and the British Beer and Pub Association have expressed concerns about the economic impact of the ban on hospitality venues, including nightclubs, hotels, cafes, and restaurants. They argue that prohibiting smoking in outdoor settings, such as pub gardens, could have a devastating effect on businesses already struggling with rising costs.
Health experts, on the other hand, have emphasized the importance of moving forward with the outdoor smoking ban to work towards a smoke-free UK by 2030. They argue that exposure to secondhand smoke outdoors poses serious health risks to non-smokers and increases the likelihood of smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Organizations like Cancer Research UK and Action on Smoking and Health have urged the government to prioritize public health and implement measures to protect children and non-smokers from the harms of secondhand smoke.
While government officials have not yet confirmed the inclusion of an outdoor smoking ban in the Tobacco and Vapes bill, they have assured the public that they are considering a range of measures to work towards a smoke-free UK. Despite concerns raised by the hospitality industry, health experts continue to emphasize the importance of outdoor smoking restrictions in reducing the harms of tobacco and helping more people quit smoking.
Labour MP Wes Streeting has indicated that the revised bill will be stronger than the original version proposed by the government and is expected to be published before Christmas. However, he acknowledged the need to consider the potential trade-offs between public health benefits and concerns raised by businesses and individuals regarding the ban’s impact on personal freedoms and livelihoods.
Overall, the debate surrounding the outdoor smoking ban highlights the complex considerations that policymakers must weigh when implementing public health measures. While the government grapples with conflicting viewpoints and concerns, the ultimate goal remains to protect the health and well-being of the population and work towards a smoke-free future for the UK.