The UK Government is planning to crack down on outdoor smoking laws.
It comes after draft legislation was leaked to The Sun (a British newspaper) last week. This included a proposed ban on smoking in beer gardens.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has since said Labour “has got to take action” to reduce the burden of smoking on the healthcare system.
Here’s the latest.
Context
Smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces has been banned in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland since 2007.
A person caught smoking in an indoor public space faces a maximum fine of £200 ($AU388).
Current UK smoking laws do not extend to outdoor areas.
However, the Government is considering banning smoking in some outdoor spaces across England, according to leaked plans. This would include pub gardens, and outside universities, hospitals and stadiums.
It’s estimated that smoking-related health issues cost the UK £17 billion ($AU33b) a year.
Starmer said more needs to be done to ease pressure on the National Health Service (NHS) — the UK’s public health care system.
The recently elected Government has already committed to following through with smoking regulations put forward by former PM Rishi Sunak.
This will see anyone born later than 2009 banned from buying cigarettes.
Backlash
Some hospitality advocates are concerned the ban could negatively impact venues in England.
Peak body the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said a potential outdoor smoking ban was “yet another blow” to pubs.
BBPA CEO Emma McClarkin said: “We know from experience that this restriction would have a devastating impact on pubs who are already struggling with soaring energy prices and the cost of doing business.”
Australia
Varying restrictions on outdoor smoking have been enforced across Australia since the 2000s.
Rules differ between the states and territories but broadly, smoking in prohibited in outdoor areas where food and seating are provided.
Licensed premises and restaurants may have designated smoking areas with clear signage.
According to Federal Government data, 24% of Australians smoked daily in 1991. In 2022/23, that figure had dropped to 8.3%.
