UK Government Considers Stricter Outdoor Smoking Ban Policies

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that his government is evaluating stricter anti-smoking measures that may include a ban on smoking in outdoor spaces like pubs and restaurants. This follows a report indicating potential bans in various outdoor facilities. The initiative aims to reduce smoking-related deaths and the financial burden on the NHS.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed on Thursday that his government is evaluating tougher anti-smoking measures, which could lead to a ban on smoking in outdoor spaces, including pubs and restaurants.

This confirmation follows a report in the Sun newspaper that the government was considering bans in pub gardens, outdoor restaurants, and other facilities like hospitals, universities, and sports grounds.

Since 2007, smoking in the UK has been prohibited inside pubs, restaurants, and most workplaces, yet smoking-related illnesses continue to cost the National Health Service (NHS) over 2.5 billion pounds annually in England alone.

"My starting point is to remind everyone that over 80,000 people die annually due to smoking," Starmer stated during a visit to French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

The Labour government, elected in July, plans to reintroduce legislation to ban tobacco sales to anyone born on or after January 2009.

Despite a two-thirds decline in smokers since the 1970s, 6.4 million people in the UK, or about 13% of the population, still smoke according to official figures. In 2007, the legal tobacco-purchasing age was raised from 16 to 18, along with the indoor smoking ban.

Health professionals primarily supported the potential outdoor smoking ban. However, critics argue it could be an undue intrusion on personal freedoms and a burden on businesses still recovering from the coronavirus pandemic and energy cost surges due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, expressed concerns about over-regulation at the cost of personal freedom and business viability.

Clive Watson, chairman of Inda pub group, criticized the proposal, arguing it would drive customers away with no health benefits.

(With inputs from agencies.)