Pub garden smoking ban dropped from government plans

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has decided not to ban smoking in outdoor areas of pubs, bars, and restaurants to avoid further harm to the hospitality industry, which has already been struggling. However, the government is considering making it illegal to smoke in children’s playgrounds, outside schools, and hospitals.

UK Hospitality said the proposals had caused angst amongst the sector.

“Now is not the time for further cost to be added to businesses and we’re pleased the government has listened to and acted on the sector’s concerns,” said chief executive Kate Nicholls.

The British Beer and Pub Association, which represents 20,000 pubs in the UK, said it welcomed the change of heart, adding that the ban “would have led to many pubs shutting their doors and jobs being lost”.

The main goal of the updated Tobacco and Vapes Bill is to create a smoke-free generation by making it illegal for anyone aged 15 or under to buy cigarettes. Streeting emphasized that they want to protect public health without negatively impacting people’s liberties or livelihoods.

UK Hospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association welcomed this decision, as they believed the ban would have led to job losses and closures.