Business chiefs hail 'clear victory' as PM 'drops' outdoor smoking ban

Business chiefs were today hailing a 'clear victory' following claims Sir Keir Starmer is dropping a proposed ban on smoking in pub gardens.

Industry bodies hailed reports that Downing Street is stepping in to block a ban on smoking outdoors being included in the Government's Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

No10 is said to have been 'spooked' by warnings of job losses and pub closures as part of a furious backlash to leaked plans.

The Prime Minister previously confirmed he was considering a ban on outdoor smoking as he pointed to a 'huge burden' on the NHS.

It followed suggestions earlier this year that Labour was looking to stop Brits from lighting up in beer gardens, outdoor restaurants and small parks.

An extension of current smoking restrictions would also impact areas outside hospitals and football grounds, it was claimed.

But, according to the Guardian, Sir Keir's newly-appointed chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, is not keen on proceeding with an outdoor smoking ban.

'It is an unserious policy. Nobody really believes smoking outdoors is a major health problem,' a Downing Street official told the newspaper.

Responding to the reports that No10 is poised to abandon proposals for an outdoor smoking ban, Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, said: 'If these rumours are true, this marks the first genuinely positive news from this Government since it took office.

'It signals the start of a renewed understanding from ministers of the potential impact the smoking ban could have had on our sector.

'This is a clear victory for industry bodies that have fought hard, proving the power of collective action.

'We hope this shift indicates more informed decisions that will protect and support the nighttime economy moving forward.'

The British Institute of Innkeeping hailed the reports as 'welcome news', adding: 'Our members were clear, restrictions on their ability to trade threaten the survival of these vital community hubs across the UK.

'Further Government support is vital, recognising the huge challenges they are facing.'

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality, 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.

'A 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.'

The British Beer and Pub Association said a proposed outdoor smoking ban was 'deeply concerning and difficult to understand' and 'yet another blow to the viability of our nation's vital community assets'.

'We know from experience that this restriction would have a devastating impact on pubs who are already struggling with soaring energy prices and the cost of doing business,' they added.

'For generations pubs have welcomed people, not turned them away, have helped combat loneliness, and provided a vital place where people meet and make friends. 

'These benefits to the community and local economy must not be taken for granted and we urge the Government to reconsider this misguided restriction.'

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is expected to be introduced to Parliament before Christmas.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said earlier this week that Labour's smoking bill will be 'more ambitious' than the bill introduced by the previous Tory government.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill tabled by Rishi Sunak in the last parliament sought to prevent anyone born after January 1 2009 from legally smoking by gradually raising the age at which tobacco can be bought.

A Downing Street spokeswoman this morning refused to comment on 'speculation' about what measures will be in Labour's Bill.

'Work on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is still ongoing and we'll set out all the details in terms of measures associated with that when we present the Bill in due course,' she told reporters.

'More generally, as we've said before, smoking claims 80,000 lives a year and puts huge pressure on our NHS, which we know costs taxpayers billions.

'And that's why we will come forward with steps to protect children and non-smokers from the harms of second hand smoking.'