Planned ban on smoking in pub gardens set to be ditched after hospitality rebellion

Sir Keir Starmer is set to drop a proposed ban on smoking in pub and restaurant gardens, it’s been reported.

Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly set to drop a proposed ban on smoking in pub and restaurant gardens, though smoking will still be prohibited outside hospitals and schools. And last month, health secretary Wes Streeting called for a “national debate” about the idea of banning smoking outside pubs, saying:

“We have got to do two things – reform the health service, but also reform public health, because we might be living longer, but we’re becoming sicker sooner and there is a heavy price being paid for that in our economy, our public finances and in our own health.”

Starmer’s reported decision follows backlash from pub landlords and hospitality chiefs who feared the ban would deter customers and threaten their businesses. Health Secretary Wes Streeting had called for a national debate on the issue, emphasizing the need to reform public health.

Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty supported a wide-ranging outdoor smoking ban. Opponents argue that such a ban could harm the already struggling hospitality sector.

The proposal would apply only to England, with devolved governments deciding on their own rules.