Sector reacts as pubs exempt from outdoor smoking ban
Earlier this week the Government confirmed pub gardens and other hospitality settings would not be subject to the proposed outdoor smoking ban under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, introduced in Parliament on Tuesday 5 November.
British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive Emma McClarkin said the restriction would have led to “many pubs shutting their doors and jobs being lost” had it been introduced.
Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) CEO Michael Kill also welcomed the “pragmatic” decision, adding it demonstrated the “important role” played by hospitality firms as “controlled, socially responsible spaces within communities”.
He said: “The initial proposals risked significant harm to our industry, which is still in the process of recovery from the pandemic and other economic pressures.”
Children’s playgrounds, hospitals and schools are currently being considered for inclusion, subject to consultation.
Waste of time
"The revised focus of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill on restricting smoking in high-risk areas strikes a much-needed balance, addressing public health concerns while also protecting the night-time economy”, Kill added.
Meanwhile, owner of Top 50 Gastropub with rooms, The Dog at Wingham in Canterbury, Marc Bridgen, told The Morning Advertiser (MA) the idea had been a “waste of Government time”.
He said: “What a waste of time for the Government and everyone involved. No one I spoke to, trade or guests, could work out how Labour thought this was an issue that needed tackling - we all have much bigger things to worry about.
“If it had been implemented it would have just seen more people standing out on pavements making a mess - not what anyone wants. I am glad to have seen it dropped.”
In addition, managing director of the Three Hills at Bartlow in Cambridgeshire told The MA a smoking ban in pub gardens would have caused “untold harm” to the sector.
She said: “An outdoor ban on smoking in pub gardens would have hit pubs with an extra whammy just when the Government is piling on unprecedented pain for this beleaguered industry of ours.
Ends speculation
“It would have caused untold harm to all those in hospitality who have worked hard to provide a relaxing and all-inclusive outdoor space for its patrons.”
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.
The plans to include hospitality settings in the extension were heavily criticised by the sector, with more than 8 in 10 operators opposed to an outdoor smoking ban in pub gardens according to a flash poll conducted by The MA in September.
CAMRA chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “This announcement ends speculation about the knock-on impact a potential outdoor smoking ban could have had on trade and the viability of our locals, which are a key part of this country’s social fabric and deserve to be protected and promoted.
“It is right the Government encourages the wellbeing benefits of enjoying a pint in the moderated setting of the community local and we feared a ban on smoking in outdoor spaces would have encouraged more people to stop visiting pubs and to drink at home instead.
“We saw during the pandemic lockdowns the impact this had on health compared to moderate drinking in the pub.”
