Plans to ban smoking in beer gardens are SCRAPPED, health secretary confirms

Plans to ban smoking in beer gardens have been dropped by the Government. Reports emerged earlier this year that Labour's new administration was looking to extend the smoking ban to some outdoor areas.

The proposal would have meant the end of smoking in beer gardens, outdoor restaurant seating and open-air spaces at nightclubs, according leaked government papers seen by The Sun. But the proposal proved controversial, with critics in Manchester's hospitality industry warning the move would be 'nonsensical' and 'unenforceable'.

Now, the Health Secretary has confirmed the proposal has been ditched. Speaking to GB News this morning (November 5), Wes Streeting said: “We’ve got to balance the upside benefits on public health with any potential negative… either on people’s liberties or on people’s livelihoods.

READ MORE: "Grandad has gone to heaven": Heartbroken family in fresh appeal over fatal motorbike crash

"And it’s no secret that the hospitality sector has been… through the mill in recent years. The impact of the pandemic, the challenges in the wider economy, the amount of money we’ve got spare in our pockets.

"And there aren’t many advantages to leaks of Government discussions, but one of the advantages of this leak was that it’s meant we’ve been able to have a discussion with the hospitality sector. And based on the evidence on the upside risks and the arguments on the downside risks, we’ve chosen not to proceed with the outdoor hospitality proposal at this time.”

The Manchester Pub and Club Network, which represents more than 600 licensed businesses in the city centre, had warned that such a move for beer gardens would have caused 'stress and conflict' as it called for a rethink. In a letter to Manchester Central MP and minister Lucy Powell, they said: "The sector needs support, not more confusing and potentially misleading legislation."

Sacha Lord, Greater Manchester's night-time economy adviser, also raised concerns. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will still aim to stop smoking and vaping outside schools and children’s playgrounds, Mr Streeting added.