Earlier this year (August), leaked documents seen by The Sun revealed the indoor smoking ban could be extended to pub gardens, outside of nightclubs, restaurant terraces, outdoor sports stadiums, children’s parks, pavements by universities as well as shisha bars.
According to The Sun, the plans mentioned vape-free areas but it was not clear if the ban would include electronic cigarettes.
Yesterday (Thursday 24 October), The Guardian reported Downing Street was blocking the move amid opposition by the hospitality sector.
On the latest reports, the British Institute of Innkeeping chief executive Steve Alton said: “‘Our members pubs are vital to the wellbeing of their communities providing a welcoming, accessible place for us all to connect tackling social isolation and loneliness, essential skilled local jobs and they support countless local suppliers."
Potential impact
He added: “Any further barriers to trading for our nation’s pubs, with many already struggling to make a profit, holds back investment and could lead to unnecessary business failure.
“We shared our members concerns on the potential impact of unnecessary restrictions on smoking in outdoor areas directly with ministers and officials, they will be hugely relieved if this has been reconsidered.
“We have made a clear case to Government for essential investment in pubs which will unlock their potential and allow them to survive and thrive in every community.
“We look forward to the Government showing their commitment to our nations pubs in the upcoming Budget allowing us to continue supporting skilled jobs and growth in every area of the UK.”
Meanwhile, the Night-Time Industries Association chief executive Michael Kill said if the rumours were true, it marked the first bit of "genuinely positive news" from the Government since it came into power.
He added: "It signals the start of a renewed understanding from ministers of the potential impact the smoking ban could have had on our sector. This is a clear victory for industry bodies that have fought hard, proving the power of collective action.
"We hope this shift indicates more informed decisions that will protect and support the night-time economy moving forward."
Fellow trade body UKHospitality previously warned of the financial impact an outdoor smoking ban would have on the sector.
Serious economic harm
Chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “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.
"A ban would not only affect pubs and nightclubs, but hotels, cafés 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."
Similarly, British Beer & Pub Association boss Emma McClarkin called on the Government to reconsider the move when it was first reported in August.
Operators also previously voiced their thoughts around the reported ban. Owner of the Unruly Pig in Bromeswell, Suffolk echoed concerns around the impact on trade while multiple operator Piers Baker stated he was in favour of it.
