With 80,000 deaths attributed to smoking in the UK each year, the Government are reviewing new steps in cracking down on the habit. Their hope is that banning smoking in certain outdoor spaces; such as beer gardens, outside sporting venues and even small parks; will help relieve the burden smoking puts on the NHS and also tax-payers.
The proposal has been met with scepticism by many of those in the hospitality industry. Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality commented, “A ban on smoking in outdoor spaces comes with the prospect of serious economic harm to hospitality venues. You only have to look back to the significant pub closures we saw after the indoor smoking ban to see the potential impact it could have.
“This ban would not only affect pubs and nightclubs, but hotels, cafes and restaurants that have all invested significantly in good faith in outdoor spaces and continue to face financial challenges.
“The government must embark on a full and detailed conversation with affected parties on the impact of such a ban before any legislation is laid. It must also assess whether such a ban would achieve its aims of meaningfully reducing smoking or simply relocate smoking elsewhere, such as in the home.”
With many hospitality businesses juggling with the huge economic pressures that have impacted the sector in recent years, one independent hospitality owner spoke to EPOS Systems about the concerns they have over the ban. "After a challenging few years with COVID, followed by increased costs and a cost of living crisis, as a small independent business we need to be supported through these challenging times. And whilst I understand and support improving public health in general, this policy is at the wrong time and will negatively impact the hospitality sector that’s already struggling."
If implemented, the ban would see smokers receiving a Fixed Penalty Fine of £150 if found smoking in a restricted area. Those refusing to pay would be liable for prosecution. Businesses could also be fined up to £2500 if they do not put reasonable measures in place to comply with the restrictions. The ban would follow the same procedures enforced after the indoor smoking ban was put in place in 2007.
According to Action on Smoking Health (ASH), the indoor smoking ban led to a 2.4% reduction in hospital admissions for heart attacks, and a 12.3 % reduction in admissions for childhood asthma.
Following the 2007 ban, until 2015, around 7000 pubs closed their doors, many citing that the smoking ban was largely to blame. Yet other factors such as a hike in tax imposed on alcoholic drinks and the 2008 recession are also likely to have had an impact. Equally, many pubs florished in the ban's aftermath, deciding to become more food or family-focused.
With compelling points from both side of the argument, perhaps the best way to move forward is to do so together. Reiterating the comments made by Nicholls, if there is enough evidence to suggest the proposal will achieve the Government's objectives, then conversations must be had with any affected parties. That way a mutual solution that not only contributes to the improvement of public health, but also encourages the hospitality sector to thrive will hopefully be achieved.