Prime minister Keir Starmer has failed to rule out the idea of banning smoking from outside areas, a proposal leaked to The Sun newspaper.
“My starting point on this is to remind everybody that over 80,000 people lose their lives every year because of smoking,” he told the PA news agency. “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.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, is calling on the government to reconsider its “misguided” restriction on smoking in pub gardens, as detailed in the leak.
She said: “It is deeply concerning and difficult to understand why the government would bring forward proposals that will be yet another blow to the viability of our nation’s vital community assets.
“We know from experience that this restriction would have a devastating impact on pubs who are already struggling with soaring energy prices and the cost of doing business.
“For generations, pubs have welcomed people, not turned them away, have helped combat loneliness, and provided a vital place where people meet and make friends.
“These benefits to the community and local economy must not be taken for granted, and we urge the government to reconsider this misguided restriction.”
Steve Alton, chief executive of the British Institute of Innkeeping, said: “Since the smoking ban in 2007, our members have made significant adaptations to their venues, to accommodate all of their customers. These changes included huge investments in outdoor spaces and diversifying their offer to be able to welcome everyone to their pubs.
“The significant effects from the pandemic in 2020 are still being seen today, including heavy increases in food, drink, labour, and energy [charges], but pubs have time and time again adapted in order to thrive.
“Any further disruption to their businesses would be incredibly damaging, particularly for our small, drinks-led, community pubs, who provide essential connection in villages, towns, and high streets across the UK.
“They have already weathered so much, and with only one in four making a clear profit currently, the impact of increased regulation and restrictions on their ability to survive and thrive could be devastating.
“Our pubs need support, investment and a fair and level playing field to be able to remain at the heart of their communities. Without them, their essential role across the UK is at risk.”
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “A ban on smoking in outdoor spaces comes with the prospect of serious economic harm to hospitality 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.
“This ban would not only affect pubs and nightclubs, but hotels, cafés and restaurants that have all invested significantly, in good faith, in outdoor spaces, and continue to face financial challenges.
“The government must embark on a full and detailed conversation with affected parties on the impact of such a ban before any legislation is laid. It must also assess whether such a ban would achieve its aims of meaningfully reducing smoking or simply relocate smoking elsewhere, such as in the home.”
