Ministers consider ban on smoking in pub gardens and outdoor venues
Proposals may extend smoking ban to sports venues, nightclubs, and small parks
Ministers are considering a ban on smoking in pub gardens, outdoor restaurants, and outside stadiums. Reports indicate that the ban could also extend to areas outside sports venues, nightclubs, and small parks. These proposals, reportedly based on “secret Whitehall papers,” suggest a significant expansion of smoke-free zones.
A representative from the Department of Health and Social Care stated, “We do not comment on leaks.” The spokesperson highlighted the severe impact of smoking, which claims 80,000 lives annually, places immense strain on the NHS, and costs taxpayers billions. The department is determined to safeguard children and non-smokers from the dangers of second-hand smoke and is exploring various measures to make Britain smoke-free.
Labour has announced plans to revive Rishi Sunak’s previously shelved smoking ban. During the King’s speech in July’s opening of Parliament, there was a commitment to reintroduce legislation to gradually raise the legal age for purchasing cigarettes. This proposal means today’s 14-year-olds would never legally buy cigarettes.
SMOKING is to be banned from pub gardens, leaked government plans reveal.
‘Two Tier’ Keir Starmer will spark huge controversy, and claims of nannyism, when the plans are unveiled as part of a tougher Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Secret Whitehall papers show ministers plotting to… pic.twitter.com/K4tzBVQnSm
— J Stewart (@triffic_stuff_) August 28, 2024
Labour also intends to regulate the sale and marketing of vapes, aiming to address the rising use among younger demographics.
What Other Media Are Saying
- GB News reports that smoking may be banned in pub gardens and outside football stadiums, sparking criticism of “nannyism,” with potential job losses and pub closures expected.(read more)
- BBC News reports that Kamala Harris has secured enough support to clinch the Democratic nomination ahead of the party’s convention in August.(read more)
- Telegraph reports that leaked government plans propose a smoking ban in pub gardens, sparking controversy and debate among the public and the industry.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What areas might smoking be banned in the UK?
Smoking could be banned in pub gardens, outdoor restaurants, outside stadiums, sport venues, nightclubs, and small parks.
Why is the UK considering a smoking ban?
Smoking claims 80,000 lives annually, stresses the NHS, and costs taxpayers billions.
Will the legal age to buy cigarettes change in the UK?
Yes, the legal age to buy cigarettes is proposed to rise by a year every year.
What did the Department of Health and Social Care say about the smoking ban report?
They stated, ‘We do not comment on leaks,’ but emphasized their commitment to protecting children and non-smokers.
What additional measures are being considered alongside the smoking ban?
Labour plans to impose limits on the sale and marketing of vapes.
