Leaked government doc show places where smoking could be banned, including beer gardens

Some government documents have reportedly leaked which put forward legislation in which smoking in certain public areas would be banned, and it includes locations like beer gardens. The government is reportedly extending the 2007 smoking ban so that it includes locations which people continue to breathe in second hand smoke and improve general public health.

In documents reportedly seen by The Sun, the publication claims that locations like beer gardens and outside hospitals would be hit by the changes. A government spokesperson says “We don’t 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 harm of second hand smoking. We’re considering a range of measures to finally make Britain smoke free.”

Locations said to be targeted by the extended smoking ban would see beer gardens, outside football stadiums, pavements outside of clubs, outside areas of restaurants and some small parks. Vapes could also be targeted.

Deborah Arnott, chief exec of the Action on Smoking and Health charity says on the leak: “ASH would support the inclusion of powers to extend smoke-free laws outdoors, subject to consultation. The Government is catching up with what the public expects, and that’s not to have to breathe in tobacco smoke in places like children’s play areas and seating areas outside pubs, restaurants and cafes.

“However, it’s also important to ensure that there are still outdoor areas where people who smoke can smoke in the open air, rather than inside their homes.”

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Keir Starmer and the new Labour government also reportedly plan to go ahead with Rishi Sunkak’s policey of a smoking ban that would restrict anyone born after a certain date of ever purchasing cigarettes. The policy was shelved as the general election took presidence, but has now had cross party support.

And in a new update today, Keir Starmer has now released a statement confirming there are plans in place to move forward with what was leaked.

🚨 WATCH: Keir Starmer confirms he's considering banning smoking in some outside areas

"My starting point on this is to remind everyone that over 80,000 people lose their lives every year because of smoking. That's a preventable death… so yes, we are going to take decisions" https://t.co/K9BIRcVe2r pic.twitter.com/HYPWKHp6eO

— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) August 29, 2024

Speaking to The Sun, Starmer said earlier today: “My starting point on this is to remind everybody that over 80,000 people lose their lives every year because of smoking. That is a preventable death, it’s a huge burden on the NHS and, of course, it is a burden on the taxpayer.

“So, yes, we are going to take decisions in this space, more details will be revealed, but this is a preventable series of deaths and we’ve got to take action to reduce the burden on the NHS and the taxpayer.”

The hospitality industry is worried regarding the impact this may have on trade, with Chair of Hospitality UK Kay Nicholls saying the move is “of huge concern”. If smoking is banned in beer gardens catch me NEVER there, sorry. We need vapes to be allowed at least!

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