UK Government reportedly considering ban on smoking in pub gardens

The UK Government is reportedly considering banning smoking in some outdoor areas in England to improve public health.

The indoor smoking ban could be extended to cover beer gardens or outside football stadiums, according to leaked plans seen by The Sun newspaper.

Other locations that could become smoke-free include small parks, outdoor restaurants and hospitals.

A smoking ban making it illegal to smoke in all enclosed workplaces in England, came into force in 2007. A similar ban had already been introduced in the rest of the UK – including in Scotland in 2006.

A UK Government spokesperson declined to confirm if such plans were on the table, saying: “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 harms of second-hand smoking.

“We’re considering a range of measures to finally make Britain smoke-free.”

In 2007 under the last Labour government smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces was made illegal across the UK.

According to Ash, in the year following the introduction of smoke-free laws there was a 2.4% reduction in hospital admissions for heart attacks in England, resulting in 12,000 fewer admissions to hospitals and saved the NHS £8.4 million in the first year alone.

The first year after the introduction of the indoor smoking ban, also saw a 12.3% reduction in hospital admissions for childhood asthma, equivalent of 6,803 fewer admissions over three years.

Former prime minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to crack down on smoking through his flagship Tobacco and Vapes Bill last year.

The Bill – dubbed the “greatest piece of public health legislation in a generation” – had earned wide cross-party support and was progressing through Parliament when the General Election was called.

Charities and health experts were dismayed when the Bill was shelved as a result.

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) said: “The priority is to get the Bill back in Parliament and put on the statute book, to end smoking for the next generation and curb youth vaping.

“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.”