The Sun reports that the measures are being proposed as part of a tougher version of the previous Conservative government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill and would also see areas outside nightclubs and shisha bars affected.
Vapers could also be targeted as part of the ban.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, says a ban on smoking in outdoor spaces comes with the prospect of ‘serious economic harm’ to hospitality venues.
“You only have to look back to the significant pub closures we saw after the indoor smoking ban to see the potential impact it could have,” she says.
“This ban would not only affect pubs and nightclubs, but hotels, cafes and restaurants that have all invested significantly in good faith in outdoor spaces and continue to face financial challenges.
“The Government must embark on a full and detailed conversation with affected parties on the impact of such a ban before any legislation is laid. It must also assess whether such a ban would achieve its aims of meaningfully reducing smoking or simply relocate smoking elsewhere, such as in the home.”
According to The Sun, a public consultation will be launched over the outdoor smoking ban, but is unlikely to change the Government’s position.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), a leading advocacy group for the nighttime economy, says the leaked plans have caused concerns across the sector, and led him to wonder whether the UK is on the brink of becoming a nanny state.
“While these measures may rightly be driven by public health considerations, they risk dividing opinion and imposing yet another regulatory burden on businesses already facing considerable challenges,” he continues.
“At a time when our industry desperately needs the freedom to trade, the last thing we need is further barriers.”
Discussions to extend the indoor smoking ban, which came into force back in 2007, have gone on for years.
Back in 2015, research by The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) found that 50% of adults would be more likely to use outdoor areas of restaurants, bars and pubs if they became designated smoke-free zones.
“Although many will not be personally affected by these potential changes, it’s important to recognise that 6.4 million people in the UK still smoke, many of whom enjoy doing so in social settings like beer gardens,” Kill adds.
“These leaked regulations could significantly impact their lifestyle choices and the businesses that serve them.
“As we consider the implications of these potential restrictions, we must question whether such an approach is truly in the public interest, or whether it risks over-regulation at the cost of personal freedom and business viability.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “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.”
