Leaked proposals to restrict outdoor smoking near pubs and restaurants spark controversy and concern from the hospitality sector

Keir Starmer’s proposed crackdown on outdoor smoking is creating a storm in the UK, pitting him against the hospitality industry and some political opponents. The leaked plans suggest a ban on smoking outside pubs, restaurants, clubs, universities, children’s play areas, and possibly shisha bars. This would extend existing measures designed to progressively phase out smoking.

The proposed restrictions have not been explicitly denied by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. During a visit to Paris, Starmer did not dismiss the idea, highlighting the severe health impact of smoking. “Over 80,000 people lose their lives every year because of smoking,” Starmer said. “This is a preventable series of deaths, and we have to take action to reduce the burden on the NHS and taxpayers.”

The proposal emerged from a leaked document and suggests adding outdoor smoking restrictions to an existing tobacco and vapes bill. This bill aims to gradually eliminate smoking by banning the sale of tobacco to those born on or after January 2009. The new outdoor smoking restrictions, if implemented, would only apply to England, with other UK nations to decide on adopting similar measures.

The hospitality sector, already reeling from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, has expressed strong opposition. Industry figures argue that such restrictions could have a detrimental effect on pubs and restaurants, which are still recovering from the pandemic’s economic fallout. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, warned that a ban could lead to “serious economic harm” and recalled the pub closures following the indoor smoking ban.

William Lees-Jones, head of JW Lees Brewery, criticized the idea as a “bolt from the blue,” stressing that it had not been discussed with the industry and could potentially close many pubs. Clive Watson, chair of the Inda Pubs group, labeled the proposal “bonkers,” questioning why the industry, which has endured significant challenges, should face further instability.

Despite the backlash from the hospitality sector, the plan has received backing from public health experts. Dr. Layla McCay, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, expressed support for the initiative, calling smoking “the leading cause of preventable illness in the UK” and praising the government’s efforts to address this issue.

The public’s response to the plan appears mixed but leans towards support. A YouGov poll revealed that 58% of people supported the outdoor smoking restrictions, while 35% were opposed. Conservative MPs are divided, with some backing the gradual smoking ban introduced by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and others, like Priti Patel, condemning the new restrictions as “beyond stupid.”

The Department of Health and Social Care has refrained from commenting directly on the leaked proposals, instead emphasizing the government’s commitment to reducing smoking rates. “Smoking claims 80,000 lives a year, puts huge pressure on our NHS, and costs taxpayers billions,” a spokesperson said. “We are considering a range of measures to make Britain smoke-free and protect children and non-smokers from the harms of secondhand smoke.”

The proposed outdoor smoking restrictions, if enacted, could significantly reshape the landscape for smokers and non-smokers alike, potentially impacting the hospitality industry and public health in the process.

THE TELEGRAPH

Keir Starmer’s proposal to extend smoking bans to beer gardens has ignited significant backlash from MPs and the pub industry. The Labour leader, who unveiled the plan during his recent visit to France, aims to curb smoking in outdoor pub and restaurant areas as part of a broader public health strategy. The proposed ban would extend existing restrictions that apply indoors to these popular outdoor spaces, reflecting a growing trend in public health policy aimed at reducing smoking-related illnesses.

The reaction from MPs and industry representatives has been largely negative. Critics argue that the proposal is “misguided,” suggesting it could have detrimental effects on the hospitality sector. Many in the pub industry are concerned that the ban could lead to decreased patronage and impact revenues, as customers might choose to visit establishments where they can smoke freely. The industry fears that additional regulations will burden already struggling businesses, particularly those in rural areas where outdoor spaces are a crucial part of their offering.

Moreover, some MPs express concerns about the implications for personal freedoms and the practicality of enforcing such a ban. They question whether extending the smoking ban to outdoor areas is necessary and argue that it might be an overreach of government policy. The proposal has sparked a debate about the balance between public health initiatives and economic impacts on small businesses.

Despite the criticisms, Starmer maintains that the ban is a step forward in improving public health and reducing smoking-related diseases. However, the strong opposition highlights the challenges in implementing such measures and the need for a more nuanced approach that considers both health benefits and economic realities.

SKY NEWS

Keir Starmer’s proposal to ban smoking in pub gardens and other outdoor venues is set to be a significant shift in public health policy, buoyed by Labour’s substantial majority in the House of Commons. Starmer’s plan aims to tackle the 80,000 annual smoking-related deaths and alleviate pressure on the NHS. This initiative, revealed during his visit to Paris, is expected to face resistance from the pub and restaurant industry, as well as from Tory MPs who criticize it as an overreach of government regulation.

A YouGov poll shows strong public support for the ban, with 58% in favor and 35% opposed. This majority support reinforces Starmer’s position as he pursues what he describes as a necessary public health intervention. The debate echoes previous discussions from the 2007 indoor smoking ban, where similar arguments about public health and individual freedoms were made.

While many MPs support the ban on health grounds, there are concerns about its impact on businesses and the practicality of enforcement. Critics, including some Tory MPs and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, argue that it represents excessive government intrusion. The proposed ban could extend beyond pubs to include other outdoor spaces, raising questions about its scope and implementation. Despite these challenges, the proposal is likely to gain significant parliamentary support and move forward as part of Labour’s broader health agenda.