Starmer confirms he’s considering outdoor smoking restrictions – as health and hospitality leaders clash on proposal

Politics

Smoking could be banned in pub gardens, outdoor restaurants and outside stadiums, according to reports.

The measures are currently being considered by ministers according to The Sun newspaper.

Smokers would also been prohibited from lighting up outside sport venues, nightclubs and in small parks, the newspaper said – citing “secret Whitehall papers”.

Read more:
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When contacted about the report, a Department of Health and Social Care 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.

More on Smoking

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

The reports comes after Labour said it will resurrect Rishi Sunak’s flagship smoking ban, which was shelved before the election.

The King’s speech at July’s opening of Parliament promised to reintroduce the legislation to increase progressively the age at which people can buy cigarettes.

Under the proposed smoking ban, a 14-year-old today will never legally be able to buy a cigarette.

In the speech, Labour also laid out plans to impose limits on the sale and marketing of vapes.

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