The national media reported that Whitehall papers have confirmed that the Government plans to extend the indoor smoking ban to restrict smoking outdoors, including in pub gardens.

It is reported leaked government plans to ban smoking in outdoor areas, including pub gardens and outside nightclubs.  It says that the plans would be revealed as part of a strengthened Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

The BBC reported that the Department of Health and Social Care have said it did not comment on leaks but was considering a range of measures to “finally make Britain smoke free.” A spokesperson added “smoking claims 80,000 lives a year, puts huge pressure on our NHS, and costs taxpayers billions.  We are determined to protect children and non-smokers from the harms of second-hand smoking”.

Report by The Sun, Sir Kier is reported to have stated:

“My starting point on this is to remind everyone that over 80,000 people lose their lives every year to smoking, that’s a preventable death, it’s a huge burden on the NHS and of course on the taxpayer.

“So, yes we are going to take decisions in this space. More details will be revealed but this is a preventable cause of deaths and we’ve got to take the action to reduce the burden on the NHS and reduce the burden on the taxpayer.”

Responding, Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality and IoL National Chair, 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.

“This ban would not only affect pubs and nightclubs, but hotels, cafes 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.”