Pub garden smoking ban not supported by majority of Brits, poll reveals

Fresh poll results

A recent survey conducted by Yonder with 2,020 adults has shown that 53 per cent of Brits believe that people should be allowed to smoke in pub gardens. This percentage narrowly surpasses the 47 per cent who are against the practice when excluding those who responded with "don't know".

Opposition to the ban

Simon Clark, the director of the pro-smoking group Forest, which commissioned the poll, expressed strong opposition to the idea of a pub garden smoking ban. He stated that Labour does not have the authority to enforce such strict measures, as it was not part of their manifesto and was only revealed after being leaked to the media. Clark emphasized that banning smoking in beer gardens could have severe repercussions for the already struggling pub industry, with 50 pubs closing every month in England and Wales in the first half of this year.

Backlash and resistance

The news of a potential ban on smoking in outdoor areas, including pub gardens, was first reported by Trending In The News in August. Since then, leaders in the hospitality sector have expressed concerns about the impact on their businesses. Even within the Labour Party, some MPs have rebelled against the proposal. New MP Dr. Becca Cooper, a qualified medic, along with Labour MPs Mary Glindon, Grahame Morris, and former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, have all voiced their opposition to the ban.