UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that his government is contemplating the expansion of smoking bans to certain outdoor areas in England, which could include pub gardens and areas outside stadiums, prompting opposition from critics. The British leader stated that ministers are "actively considering decisions in this area", emphasizing the need to reduce preventable deaths and ease the strain on the National Health Service (NHS), which is currently under significant pressure. His remarks come after recent media reports suggesting that the new government might extend the current indoor smoking prohibition to include beer gardens, outdoor dining spaces, stadium concourses, small parks, and other locations.
Representatives from the pub and restaurant sectors quickly expressed their disapproval of the proposed plans, claiming that such restrictions could further discourage customers in an industry already reeling from the pandemic's long-term effects and rising living costs. However, Starmer maintained that "it is essential to take measures to lessen the load on the NHS and taxpayers" due to smoking-related deaths. He highlighted that "over 80,000 lives are lost annually due to smoking", placing a significant burden on the NHS and taxpayers. Starmer also mentioned that "further details will be disclosed in the appropriate time", stressing the importance of achieving the right balance, especially given the NHS's current state.
Reem Ibrahim from the right-wing Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) think tank commented that extending the ban to some outdoor areas would be "yet another blow to the pub industry". The IEA has previously faced criticism from health advocates for accepting funding from major tobacco companies. Meanwhile, Tim Martin, the founder of the J D Wetherspoon pub chain, argued that the proposal raises a "libertarian issue", questioning whether the government should intervene in personal freedoms when risk is involved, citing activities like mountaineering and horse riding as examples.
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland implemented smoking bans in enclosed public spaces and workplaces in 2007, following Scotland's lead in 2006. The Action on Smoking and Health charity reported a 2.4 percent decrease in hospital admissions for heart attacks in England a year after the ban, resulting in significant savings for the NHS.
