Pubs and bars have welcomed news that Wes Streeting has formally u-turned on plans to ban smoking in pub gardens, a move they warned would hammer hospitality.
The Government will introduce the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to parliament today [TUES], a landmark piece of legislation that will phase out the sale of tobacco products to anyone aged 15 or under, meaning they will never be able to purchase cigarettes.
The Department for Health will also be given new powers to extend the indoor smoking ban to specific outdoor spaces including children’s playgrounds, outside schools and hospitals being considered.
However floated plans to also ban smoking from pub gardens and bar terraces have officially dropped, according to the department.
Hospitality owners had warned that the move would prove yet another hammer blow to the already struggling sector, with libertarians blasting the proposed attack on individual freedom.
Responding to the u-turn, UK Hospitality welcomed the decision not to pile on further costs to businesses after the Budget.
Chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “The rumoured ban on smoking in outdoor areas understandably caused angst amongst hospitality businesses, who were concerned that it would impact trade and undermine their investments in creating outdoor spaces for customers.”
“While we’re yet to see the detail, this initial confirmation that hospitality won’t be included is positive. Now is not the time for further cost to be added to businesses and we’re pleased the Government has listened to and acted on the sector’s concerns.”
However the planned crackdown on smoking outdoors in certain specified areas was still concerned by the freedom-loving Institute for Economic Affairs, who described it as a “sop to Chris Whitty” that “cannot be justified on health grounds and makes no sense whatsoever. Our liberties are being eroded at random.”
The Tobacco and Vapes bill was initially introduced by Rishi Sunak’s government, but he failed to pass it before the election despite cross-party support.
As well as a ban on the sale of cigarettes it also introduces a huge crackdown on vaping, including a ban on vape advertising and sponsorship.
It will also allow the Government ban the flavours and packaging of all vapes, which it claims are deliberately targeted at children.
According to Government statistics, on in four 11-15-year-olds tried vaping in 2023.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Unless we act to help people stay healthy, the rising tide of ill-health in our society threatens to overwhelm and bankrupt our NHS. Prevention is better than cure.”
“This government is taking bold action to create the first smoke free generation, clamp down on kids getting hooked on nicotine through vapes, and protect children and vulnerable people from the harms of secondhand smoke.
“This historic legislation will save thousands of lives and protect the NHS. By building a healthy society, we will also help to build a healthy economy, with fewer people off work sick.”
