In recent news, a controversial proposal to expand the UK's smoking ban to include outdoor areas has ignited strong opposition from both public figures and advocacy groups. The plan, which would prohibit smoking in beer gardens, outdoor restaurants, and other open-air venues, has drawn sharp criticism for its potential impact on personal freedoms, the hospitality industry, and the broader economy.
A leaked plan to significantly extend the UK's smoking restrictions to outdoor spaces has sparked outrage among activists and some politicians.
According to The Sun, ministers have been "plotting" to make beer gardens, outdoor restaurants, and other open-air spaces smoke-free. The proposed restrictions would exempt private homes as well as large open spaces like parks or streets.
Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, said, "This will be the end of the pub."
Former Home Secretary Priti Patel added, "Imposing such a nanny state regulation on pubs and restaurants is not only wrong but will harm the economy. These are small businesses, run by hardworking people, providing jobs across the country."
Simon Clark, head of the smokers' rights group Forest, vowed to oppose any attempt to expand smoking bans to outdoor areas.
"Smoking bans must be evidence-based, and there is no evidence that outdoor smoking poses a significant threat to non-smokers' health," he said.
"The indoor smoking ban has already caused great damage to the pub industry. Extending the ban to beer gardens could force more pubs to close."
Clark accused the ruling Labour Party of using "bully state" tactics to force adults to quit smoking, saying, "If the government really intends to extend smoking bans to vast outdoor areas, Britain will no longer be a nanny state.
"We will cross a line into a bully state, where people will be punished for the terrible crime of lighting up outside a pub or in a park."
