Plans to ban smoking outdoors in hospitality venues including beer gardens have been officially scrapped.
Keir Starmer hinted at considering this measure in the summer to alleviate the strain of smoking on the NHS. However, last month it was reported that No10 had been alarmed by warnings from the hospitality industry that the move could result in job losses and pub closures.
This comes as the government introduces legislation today aimed at creating the “first smoke-free generation” and saving thousands of lives.
Powers to ban indoor smoking could be extended to some outdoor spaces in England, with children’s playgrounds and outside schools and hospitals being considered. But the Department for Health and Social care confirmed hospitality settings, including outside areas of pubs and bars, will not be included in the proposals.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill also includes previously announced plans to completely phase out the sale of cigarettes to anyone currently aged 15 or younger. It will work by gradually raising the age at which tobacco can be bought by one year every year.
(Image: Getty Images)
The idea was proposed by ex-PM Rishi Sunak last year and adopted by Mr Starmer’s Labour. Restrictions on vape advertising, restricting flavours, displays and the packaging of e-cigarettes to reduce their appeal to children and young people, will also be included, reports the Mirror.
Disposable vapes are set to be banned under separate legislation.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has sounded the alarm, warning: “Unless we act to help people stay healthy, the rising tide of ill-health in our society threatens to overwhelm and bankrupt our NHS. Prevention is better than cure.”
He’s championing groundbreaking moves to forge the first smoke-free generation, tackle the rise of vaping among youngsters, and shield kids and the vulnerable from secondhand smoke dangers.
“This historic legislation will save thousands of lives and protect the NHS. By building a healthy society, we will also help to build a healthy economy, with fewer people off work sick.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality said: “The rumoured ban on smoking in outdoor areas understandably caused angst amongst hospitality businesses, who were concerned that it would impact trade and undermine their investments in creating outdoor spaces for customers.”
“While we’re yet to see the detail, this initial confirmation that hospitality won’t be included is positive. Now is not the time for further cost to be added to businesses and we’re pleased the Government has listened to and acted on the sector’s concerns.”
The news was met with a mixed reaction on social media platform X.
One person wrote: “I was actually looking forward to that ban. The cafes local to me extend their seating over half the pavement so you have to walk thru a fog of smoke to get to the shops. Add to that all the cigarette butt’s that are just thrown onto the floor.”
Another added: “A great pity there’ll be no ban on smoking in pub gardens. There’s nothing worse than breathing acrid smoke outside pubs – and coffee bars, for that matter. You really don’t need exhaled smoke with your skinny latte.”
But one said: “Cheers to Rachel Reeves at the pub tonight. Smoking area ban gone, beer in the pub down. Life is good!”
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