Smoking Ban: Ministers eye extending smoking ban to outdoor venues across UK
Smoking in pub gardens and other outdoor venues could soon be banned under new plans being considered by UK ministers. Leaked documents obtained by The Sun revealed that the government is potentially extending the current indoor smoking ban to include outdoor areas such as football stadiums, outdoor restaurants, shisha bars, and open-air spaces at nightclubs.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has decided to move forward with the outdoor ban, reportedly with the backing of chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, according to the Telegraph. Critics argue that the economic benefits of reducing smoking-related health issues will outweigh any potential costs to the hospitality sector.
The proposed restrictions would also apply to areas outside universities, hospitals, children’s play areas, and small parks, with vapers facing similar limitations. However, private homes, large parks, and roads are expected to remain unaffected. The distance smokers would need to keep from these locations is yet to be determined, and it is unclear whether beaches and enclosed parks will fall under the new regulations. This potential law is trending on Google.
The proposals are set to impact all four nations of the UK, though they will first be subject to a public consultation. These measures, which were not included in Labour’s manifesto, would strengthen the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The original legislation, introduced by Rishi Sunak’s government, aimed to ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 2009 as part of a broader effort to phase out smoking. This proposal is trending on Google.
However, there is concern within the business department about the potential financial impact on hospitality venues, which have already suffered due to lockdowns. A 2020 government report warned that banning outdoor smoking could lead to major closures and job losses in the industry, as businesses have invested heavily in outdoor areas since the initial indoor ban was introduced in 2007. This report is trending on Google.
The Government remains committed to its target of making England “smoke-free” by 2030, reducing the smoking population to just five percent. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care stated: “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.”
This is a top Google Trends topic.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has decided to move forward with the outdoor ban, reportedly with the backing of chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty, according to the Telegraph. Critics argue that the economic benefits of reducing smoking-related health issues will outweigh any potential costs to the hospitality sector.
The proposed restrictions would also apply to areas outside universities, hospitals, children’s play areas, and small parks, with vapers facing similar limitations. However, private homes, large parks, and roads are expected to remain unaffected. The distance smokers would need to keep from these locations is yet to be determined, and it is unclear whether beaches and enclosed parks will fall under the new regulations. This potential law is trending on Google.
The proposals are set to impact all four nations of the UK, though they will first be subject to a public consultation. These measures, which were not included in Labour’s manifesto, would strengthen the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The original legislation, introduced by Rishi Sunak’s government, aimed to ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 2009 as part of a broader effort to phase out smoking. This proposal is trending on Google.
However, there is concern within the business department about the potential financial impact on hospitality venues, which have already suffered due to lockdowns. A 2020 government report warned that banning outdoor smoking could lead to major closures and job losses in the industry, as businesses have invested heavily in outdoor areas since the initial indoor ban was introduced in 2007. This report is trending on Google.
The Government remains committed to its target of making England “smoke-free” by 2030, reducing the smoking population to just five percent. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care stated: “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.”
This is a top Google Trends topic.
