UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the government is considering tougher outdoor smoking rules to reduce tobacco-related deaths, including bans in pub gardens, outdoor restaurants, and near hospitals and sports grounds.

These proposals, which align with health experts’ recommendations, aim to ease the burden on the NHS, which Starmer says is “on its knees.”

However, some ministers and hospitality leaders express concerns about the potential negative impact on businesses, with some warning that the ban could harm the sector and economic growth.

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the UK, causing around 80,000 deaths annually. Smoking-related hospital admissions were over 408,000 in 2022-23 in England alone.

The proposed restrictions, which were also mentioned in the King’s Speech, include banning tobacco sales to anyone born after January 2009. Although these rules would initially apply only in England, devolved governments could adopt similar measures.

Health professionals support the initiative, emphasising its benefits for public health and society.

However, critics, including some Conservative figures and hospitality representatives, argue that the proposals amount to over-regulation and could lead to further pub closures. Despite this, Wetherspoon’s founder Tim Martin downplayed the potential impact on his business.

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