Leaked secret documents shows that Sir Keir Starmer’s government is considering banning smoking in outdoor venues such as restaurants and in pub gardens.
The Sun newspaper reveals that leaked documents shows that ministers are considering to ban smoking in outdoor restaurants, nightclubs and small parks.
The government is refusing to comment on the so called “secret Whitehall papers,” which raises questions of what the government will do next.
Reem Ibrahim, from the Institute of Economic Affairs think tank warned that a smoking ban will be “another nail in the coffin” for the hospitality sector.
She said, “The government’s own impact assessment concluded that banning smoking outdoors will lead to pub closures and job losses,” she said.
“Pubs and other private venues should be able to determine their own outdoor smoking rules – just as they should be allowed to decide whether to play music, serve food or show football on TV.
“Smoking rates are already declining in the UK, in large part due to smokers switching to safer alternatives to combustible cigarettes.
“The government should look to countries like Sweden, which has attained the lowest prevalence of smoking in the world not by implementing nanny state measures like this proposal, but by allowing adults to choose safer and healthier products.”
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) said, Following the Government leak yesterday which revealed plans to extend the smoking ban to outdoor areas such as beer gardens, spaces outside nightclubs, restaurant terraces and Shisha bars have understandably caused concern across the sector.
“Although smoking rates have seen a significant decline, many have switched to vaping—a trend that, according to these leaks, may also fall under new regulatory scrutiny.
“This raises the critical question: Are we on the brink of becoming a nanny state? What is next? While these measures may rightly be driven by public health considerations, they risk dividing opinion and imposing yet another regulatory burden on businesses already facing considerable challenges. At a time when our industry desperately needs the freedom to trade, the last thing we need is further barriers.
“Although many will not be personally affected by these potential changes, it’s important to recognise that 6.4 million people in the UK still smoke, many of whom enjoy doing so in social settings like beer gardens. These leaked regulations could significantly impact their lifestyle choices and the businesses that serve them.
“As we consider the implications of these potential restrictions, we must question whether such an approach is truly in the public interest, or whether it risks over-regulation at the cost of personal freedom and business viability.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We do not comment on leaks.
“Smoking claims 80,000 lives a year, puts huge pressure on our NHS, and costs taxpayers billions.
“We are determined to protect children and non-smokers from the harms of second-hand smoking.
“We’re considering a range of measures to finally make Britain smoke-free.”
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