Smokers face BAN outside pubs and restaurants under major rule change demanded by officials

Crackdown on Outdoor Smoking

Smokers could soon be banned from lighting up outside pubs and restaurants, as councillors demand a crackdown on outdoor smoking. The move aims to help existing smokers quit and prevent young people from taking up the habit. The popularity of al fresco drinking and dining during the pandemic has led many venues to offer seating on pavements. While some places have made their outdoor areas smoke-free, local councils have the power to enforce a total ban. Now, councillors from 16 London authorities are calling on the government to introduce a national edict on smoke-free pavement seating.

Councils push for national ban

In a letter to Health Secretary Steve Barclay and Communities Secretary Michael Gove, councillors representing 16 London authorities have urged for a national smoking ban for pavement seating outside pubs and restaurants. They argue that current bureaucracy prevents many town halls from implementing such a ban. The push comes ahead of a Parliamentary vote on the issue. Cllr Jim Dickson, Joint Cabinet Member for Healthier Communities at Lambeth Council, stated that smoking puts a burden on disadvantaged communities and costs the city billions of pounds each year in economic and healthcare costs. London councils are committed to taking action, but they need the government's support to make the city smoke-free.

Amendment to the Levelling Up Bill

Lord Young of Cookham has proposed an amendment to the Levelling Up Bill that would enforce the smoking ban on pavement seating. He believes there is a consensus among the public that outdoor eating and drinking areas should be free from cigarette smoke. Lord Young also argues that a national smoke-free pavement license condition would protect public health, especially the health of children, while reducing red tape for councils and businesses.

Government's commitment to a smoke-free England

The UK government has set a goal to make England "smoke-free" by 2030, with fewer than 5% of the public using cigarettes. As part of this commitment, ministers are currently reviewing the recommendations of a smoking review by Dr Javed Khan.

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