Government confirms hospitality settings to be exempt from smoking ban extension

Children’s playgrounds, as well as outside schools and hospitals all face smoking bans, subject to consultation, under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will be introduced in Parliament today (5 November).

Back in August, leaked documents revealed that the Government was looking to toughen up the previous Conservative government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill by extending the indoor smoking ban to most outdoor public spaces​​ including restaurant terraces and pub gardens​​.

However, it was subsequently reported last month that plans to extend the ban to hospitality settings would be ditched​​ following an outcry from businesses across the sector.

“The rumoured ban on smoking in outdoor areas understandably caused angst amongst hospitality businesses, who were concerned that it would impact trade and undermine their investments in creating outdoor spaces for customers,” says Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, responding to today’s Government announcement.

“While we’re yet to see the detail, this initial confirmation that hospitality won’t be included is positive.

“Now is not the time for further cost to be added to businesses and we're pleased the Government has listened to and acted on the sector's concerns.”