Pub garden smoking ban dropped following backlash

The government is reportedly moving away from plans to ban smoking in some open air spaces amid hospitality opposition.

In August this year, leaked Whitehall documents revealed that the government was considering banning smoking in a number of open-air spaces. This included pub gardens and outside of restaurants, hospitals, sports grounds and playgrounds.

These measures were being considered as part of a tougher version of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

While some health experts welcomed the leaked proposals, a number of ministers voiced concerns about the impact on the hospitality sector. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage told The Sun: ‘It’ll be the end of pubs.’

The government is now set to ditch these measures in response to fears that it will cause ‘serious economic harm’ to the hospitality trade.

In response to news of the ban in August, Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: ‘It is deeply concerning and difficult to understand why the government would bring forward proposals that will be yet another blow to the viability of our nation’s vital community assets.’

Trade body Ukhospitality had said it threatens ‘serious economic harm to hospitality venue’, impacting nightclubs, hotels, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Downing Street officials also reportedly believe it is not backed by good evidence. One of them stated: ‘It is an unserious policy. Nobody really believes smoking outdoors is a major health problem.’

Another confirmed that ditching the ban was ‘a direct result’ of concerns from the hospitality trade.

Disposable vapes banned

This follows the news that disposable vapes will be banned in England and Wales from June next year.

The ban, which will make it illegal to sell single-use vapes, will attempt to protect children’s health and reduce environmental harm.

Last year it was estimated almost five million single-use vapes were either littered or thrown away in general waste each week in the UK. This marks a fourfold increase on the previous year.

In addition, new data from NHS England has revealed that almost one in 10 (9%) secondary school children vape regularly.

Matt Fagg is NHS England’s director for prevention and long-term conditions. He said: ‘It is incredibly concerning that almost one in 10 young people regularly or occasionally vape – it means they are at risk of becoming hooked on one of the world’s most addictive substances, and that is before we consider the longer-term impacts which are still unclear.

‘We welcome the government’s commitment to tackle the promotion of e-cigarettes to children and young people through legislation at the earliest opportunity and look forward to working with them and other partners to help the next generation grow up smoke and vape-free.’

Health minister Andrew Gwynne said: ‘Banning disposable vapes will not only protect the environment, but importantly reduce the appeal of vapes to children and keep them out of the hands of vulnerable young people.

‘The government will also introduce the tobacco and vapes bill – the biggest public health intervention in a generation – which will protect young people from becoming hooked on nicotine and pave the way for a smoke-free UK.’

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