Tory MP proposes relaxation of smoking ban

A Conservative MP is to table a Private Members' Bill proposing a relaxation of the smoking ban.

Bury North MP David Nuttall wants to give pubs the right to choose whether they allow smoking in the premises or not.

"This Bill isn't about completely reversing the smoking ban, it is simply about giving pubs and private members clubs the right to choose whether to allow customers to smoke in their premises," he told the Manchester Evening News​.

"When a rural village pub or a local community pub closes down it is not just smokers who lose out, everyone loses out.

"As a devout non-smoker I want to stand up for the freedom of individual pubs and clubs to choose for themselves whether they should have a smoking room."

Nutall will introduce the Public Houses and Private Members' Clubs (Smoking) Bill in the Commons on 13 October under the ten minute rule motion. The Bill is unlikely to become law but will serve to highlight the issue.