Hospitality exempt from outdoor smoking ban – our response
November 5, 2024
The Department for Health and Social Care has announced that hospitality, including outside areas of pubs and bars, will not be included in the proposed extension of the indoor smoking ban.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will extend the indoor smoking ban to specific outdoor spaces, but with a focus on children’s playgrounds, outside schools and hospitals all under consideration and subject to consultation.
Our response
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “The rumoured ban on smoking in outdoor areas understandably caused angst amongst hospitality businesses, who were concerned that it would impact trade and undermine their investments in creating outdoor spaces for customers.
“While we’re yet to see the detail, this initial confirmation that hospitality won’t be included is positive.
“Now is not the time for further cost to be added to businesses and we’re pleased the Government has listened to and acted on the sector’s concerns.”
