There had been no previous indication that this policy was under consideration, no consultation with trade bodies, and the Prime Minister did nothing to reassure licensees, instead talking about the deaths attributable to smoking and the cost to the NHS.
I am no fan of smoking, despite being a ‘reformed’ smoker myself. However, I am incensed by this proposal on several levels.
Firstly, I see pubs as a force for good. They are often vital community’s assets that bring people together, look out for the vulnerable and isolated, support charities and those in need, and help celebrate family, social and sporting occasions. Despite creating huge social value, they are taxed way more than other industries and often blamed for all the ills of society.
Classic political intervention
Secondly, this proposed policy is a classic political intervention that will lead to negative unintended consequences. The reality is, the proposed ban will reduce footfall, and the frequency of pub visits will fall as smokers decide to stay at home rather than be stigmatised and pushed away from pub outdoor spaces.
Smokers who stay at home will likely smoke more because they can smoke indoors, and very likely will drink more because of the availability of cheaper alcohol from supermarkets, consumed off premise in a non regulated environment. The improved health outcomes that the Government seek will not be delivered by this policy and they will probably make things worse.
Thirdly, the hypocrisy is breath-taking. If the Government really wants to make smoking unacceptable outside of the home, then ban smoking on the streets and in ALL public places. Why haven’t they proposed this policy? Because they don’t want the cost and hassle of policing a ban to fall on the state. They would rather the pub industry picked up the cost.
Likely unenforceable
Fourthly, the proposed ban is likely unenforceable. I can’t see our licensees having the resources to employ additional staff to ‘police’ outside spaces and eject smokers. Nor can I see the police patrolling pub gardens in January to ensure smokers aren’t breaking the law whilst most of us are inside trying to stay warm!
My last point is simple. This country has many challenges currently, not least the need to grow our economy to pay for the public services we all want and need. Is a smoking ban in pub gardens really a priority for our nation? I can think of a hundred things more important and urgent.
I know I’m biased, but this policy is deeply flawed, will not deliver its intended benefits and will cause unnecessary social and economic harm. Our new Government has to be better than this?
