Tobacco and Vapes Bill to Ban External Smoking

Based on a governmental department leak reported in the Sun newspaper it is alleged that the government are seeking to extend the ambit of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to cover a ban on smoking in external areas.

The original Bill failed due to the general Election but was re-adopted by the incoming government in the King's Speech however it would appear that there is an ambition to expand its content. This would mean as well as a gradual age-based ban on the ability to purchase tobacco, there will also be a ban on smoking in pub gardens, outdoor restaurants, outside hospitals and sports grounds.

Such a restriction would also probably apply to shisha bars and open-air spaces at nightclubs, along with children’s play areas and small parks - so far we have seen no reference in regard to areas within parameters licensed as a festival. Although views are being expressed that large open spaces such as parks would not fall into the criteria.

When asked by the Sun for comment the Department of Health and Social Care said it did not comment on leaks but was considering a range of measures to "finally make Britain smoke-free".

A spokesperson said: "We do not comment on leaks. Smoking claims 80,000 lives a year, puts huge pressure on our NHS, and costs taxpayers billions.

“We are determined to protect children and non-smokers from the harms of second-hand smoking.

"We’re considering a range of measures to finally make Britain smoke-free.”

On the Radio 4 Today program Kate Nicholls of UKHospitality expressed acute concern as to the impact of such a ban on hospitality and confirmed the number of pubs closed and jobs lost since the smoking ban was implemented. She made it clear that the economic cost should be considered, here at John Gaunt and Partners we would also flag the potential for unintended consequences flowing from such a ban, particularly around noise nuisance.