The UK government is considering a controversial outdoor smoking ban that could reshape public spaces and ignite a fierce debate between health advocates and the hospitality industry. Here’s the full story.
“Things Will Get Worse”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently promised in his first major speech as Prime Minister that things would “get worse before they get better.”
Smokers Face Tougher Rules
Recently leaked documents suggest that, for the six-and-a-half-million smokers in the UK, that could be true sooner than they thought.
Considering Outdoor Smoking Ban
According to the leaked documents, first reported by The Sun, the government is considering implementing new restrictions on outdoor smoking, which would effectively extend the current indoor smoking ban to several open spaces.
Extending Ban to Open Spaces
This extended smoking ban reportedly affects pub gardens, outdoor restaurants, and sports grounds.
Curbing Smoking-Related Illnesses
The proposal is part of a broader effort to curb smoking-related illnesses, with the aim of one day creating a smoke-free generation. However, the potential economic impact, particularly on the struggling hospitality sector, has caused serious concerns.
Ban Began in 2007
Smoking in enclosed public spaces and workspaces has been illegal in the UK since 2007 when the then-Labour government introduced the ban.
Public Health Improvements
The results on public health were remarkable. Within a year of the smoking ban’s introduction, England saw a 2.4% reduction in hospital admissions for heart attacks, equating to 12,000 fewer admissions and saving the NHS £8.4 million. Additionally, childhood asthma admissions decreased by 12.3% in the first year.
Starmer on NHS Burden
Starmer has acknowledged the government’s plans to tighten outdoor smoking regulations, emphasising the need for urgent action to alleviate the burden smoking places on the NHS, which he said was “on its knees.”
80,000 Preventable Deaths
He cited the 80,000 preventable deaths annually linked to smoking as a critical driver behind these proposals. However, he refrained from giving any firm timeline for the proposal, adding that more would be revealed in time.
Hospitality Industry Concerns
Despite the undeniable public health benefits, the extended smoking ban has raised alarms within the hospitality industry. In an interview with the BBC, Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, warned, “This needs to be thought through very carefully before we damage businesses, economic growth, and jobs.”
Another Burden on Businesses
Similarly, Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, warned that the proposed restrictions could add “yet another regulatory burden on businesses” already struggling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising operational costs.
Health Experts Welcome Ban
Despite the economic concerns, health experts and professionals have welcomed the proposed outdoor smoking restrictions.
Smoking: “Health Challenge of Our Time”
Dr Layla McCay, policy director at the NHS Confederation, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, “I’m obviously in favour of measures that help abolish smoking. We have seen from the previous government – and from this current government and indeed from wider society – this strong commitment to move towards abolishing smoking.”
Strong Commitment to Health
She added, “It is absolutely the health challenge of our time. It’s the leading cause of preventable illness in the UK, so we are heartened to see that progress is being made and that the intention is moving forward to really address one of Britain’s main drivers of health inequalities.”
Criticism From the Right
However, the proposed reforms have drawn the ire of the Conservatives and Reform UK, with disgraced former Home Secretary Priti Patel describing the measures as economically damaging “nanny state regulation.”
Farage: “Utterly Ridiculous”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage went further, labelling the proposals as “government overreach on a scale that is utterly ridiculous,” adding that if the proposed ban were to be implemented, it would be “the death knell of the pub.”
Public Opinion Shifting
Despite the outrage from the political right, public opinion has changed considerably in recent years, with ever-increasing support for stricter regulations on unhealthy habits.
Fewer Smokers, but Still Harmful
The number of smokers has also fallen. According to the latest Office for National Statistics data, only 12.9% of UK adults smoked cigarettes in 2022, the lowest recorded proportion since 2011.
Smoking Still Major Issue
Despite the decline in the number of smokers, smoking remains a significant public health issue, causing an estimated 74,600 deaths in 2019 and leading to over 400,000 hospital admissions in England in 2022-23.
Labour’s Public Health Test
The government’s admission that it is considering expanding the outdoor smoking ban will be a crucial test of the recently elected Labour government’s ability to shape public health policy.
Success Is Not Guaranteed
While health experts support the move, aligning with the government’s broader goal of creating a smoke-free generation, success is not guaranteed.
Past Pushback on Smoking Bans
When Rishi Sunak tried to introduce the gradual smoking ban in the last parliament, the proposal received significant pushback from within the Conservative Party, and it was eventually shelved before the election was called.
Starmer’s Chance to End Smoking?
It remains to be seen whether Keir Starmer’s Labour government will finally be the one to oversee the end of smoking in the UK or if, as millions of smokers up and down the country will soon discover, it will continue to prove a difficult habit to kick.
Brace for Impact: The Tax Increase Labour Denied Has Arrived, Reeves Delivers a Grim Outlook
Rachel Reeves delivers the gloomy news, and citizens have to accept the inevitable. The tax increase might complicate finances for some households and businesses. Brace for Impact: The Tax Increase Labour Denied Has Arrived, Reeves Delivers a Grim Outlook
Russia Issues Ultimatum to UK Over Ukraine’s Use of British Arms
Russia has threatened to attack British targets if Ukraine uses UK-supplied weapons amid rising tensions and the recent arrest of a British man charged with spying for Russia. Here’s the full story. Russia Issues Ultimatum to UK Over Ukraine’s Use of British Arms
Tommy Robinson Sparks National Outrage With Far-Right ‘We Want Our Country Back’ Protest in London
Police had their work cut out at a recent protest led by Tommy Robinson in London. Full story. Tommy Robinson Sparks National Outrage With Far-Right ‘We Want Our Country Back’ Protest in London
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Stefano Carnevali.
Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.