UK government considers banning smoking in outdoor spaces

The project has been welcomed by health professionals but strongly criticised by advertising, a sector which has been in great difficulty in recent years.

Cigarettes are set to lose further ground across the Channel. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed on Thursday 29 August that he wanted to take new measures to combat smoking, which include, according to the press, a ban on smoking on restaurant terraces and outside football stadiums.

Asked about the news, Keir Starmer, who is visiting Paris, confirmed to reporters that he wanted to take further steps in this direction. He had already indicated in July that he would resume the very ambitious anti-smoking policy of his predecessor Rishi Sunak. According to this plan, young people under the age of 15 today will never be legally sold cigarettes.

According to the tabloid The Sunthe government also wants to ban smoking in many public spaces. According to the plan, it would no longer be possible to light a cigarette in pub gardens, on restaurant terraces, outside nightclubs, football stadiums, on pavements near universities and hospitals, in certain parks, etc.

“More than 80,000 people lose their lives every year because of smoking” in the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister stressed. “These are preventable deaths, a huge burden on the NHS [le service de santé public] and, of course, a burden on the taxpayer”he added.

The project has been welcomed by health professionals but strongly criticised by advertising, a sector which has been in great difficulty in recent years. “It’s very worrying”responded Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, calling on the government to “reconsider” his plans. “Such restrictions would have a devastating impact on pubs already struggling with soaring energy prices and the skyrocketing cost of doing business.”she added.