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UK Government Considers Smoking Ban for Pub Gardens and Outdoor Music Venues
New proposals may restrict smoking in popular social spaces, sparking debate among industry leaders and health experts
The UK government is considering implementing a smoking ban in certain outdoor spaces, including pub gardens, outdoor restaurants, and open-air music venues and nightclubs. This information has emerged from leaked Whitehall documents reported by The Sun, which revealed that the government is in favor of such plans. The proposed ban would also extend to pavements next to pubs, clubs, and restaurants, as well as outside universities and hospitals, children's play areas, small parks, and sports grounds.
When asked about the leaked documents by the BBC, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer did not rule out the move, stating that the government is "going to take decisions in this space," with more details to be revealed soon. The proposed measures follow the introduction of a bill in Parliament earlier this year that prohibited the sale of tobacco and vapes to anyone born on or after January 2009.
Although the tobacco and vapes bill was dropped when the general election was called, the King's Speech last month promised to revisit the issue. Starmer’s comments on August 29 further suggest a government effort to crack down on smoking and vaping, with this being the first time an outdoor smoking ban has been mentioned.
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According to The Sun, the restrictions could also target shisha bars, while private homes and large open spaces, such as parks or streets, will be exempt. While not explicitly confirming the ban, Starmer emphasized the need to reduce the number of preventable tobacco-related deaths, which he estimates at 80,000 per year. He noted that the NHS is “on its knees” and that “we have got to take action” to reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
The news has received mixed reactions. Health experts have praised the government for making moves “to help abolish smoking.” Dr. Layla McCay, Director of Policy at the NHS Confederation, commented on 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.”
Conversely, critics argue that the ban could harm the hospitality industry. Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of the trade group UKHospitality, stated on the same programme: “This needs to be thought through very carefully before we damage businesses and economic growth and jobs.” Michael Kill from the Night Time Industries Association added that a ban would risk "imposing yet another regulatory burden on businesses already facing considerable challenges."