I think a smoking ban is a good idea… if you want to kill Blackpool pubs off

With the new Labour government considering a range of anti-smoking measures in order to improve public health, the public’s opinion has been divided, with some supporting tougher anti-smoking laws and others decrying the encroachment of heavy-handed rules.

The Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not categorically ruled out banning smoking in some outdoor spaces, including beer gardens, leading those representing the hospitality industry to cry foul and claim that such draconian measures will severely impact the sector.

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The government, however, is keen to curb tobacco and vape usage in the interest of public health, with a bill that would make it illegal to sell tobacco to people born on or after January 1, 2009 also under consideration. The proposal was first put forward by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government and has since been adopted by Labour.

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In Blackpool, however, people are incensed by the idea of smoking in beer gardens being made illegal. Here’s what a few members of the public had to say…

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Ja Catherine

I’m a non smoker and it’s too much control. So outside smoking is fine. Leave it be.

Linda Dean

I’m a non smoker but pubs struggled when the banned smoking in the pubs it will definitely affect the pubs if you can’t stand outside for a cigarette.

Pat Brown

How dare they dictate what we can and cannot do.

Susan Dewsnap-Goodall

The majority of beer gardens were made specifically for smokers when the ban came into force, then suddenly all the non smokers wanted to be outside too, but then as time has gone on they've started to moan about the smoke wafting their way.

Mike Holden

Just gonna make it harder for already struggling pubs. I'm sure there are a lot more important things in this country need sorting first.

Martin Tighe

I think smokers should have a designated area, the smoking ban was in the Labour manifesto did people not read this before they voted.

Kath Theyer

No. I’m a non smoker and was pleased smoking was banned inside places but I think if they want to smoke it’s their right to do so. I think the politicians talk about human rights but they are taking those rights of (sic) them.

Geraldine Hanlon

If this goes through it will be the nail in the coffin and another one of our British way of life gone.

Cath Lord

I'm not a smoker myself but he is going to (sic) far. It will kill the pub industry off & that means loss of jobs & people's livelihoods.

Georduos Huxwell

Good idea if you want to kill pubs off…

Patrick Cole

If you had to look after family and friends that are dying because of smoking. You would ban it for ever from everywhere. It's a horrible way to see someone close dying!

Keiron Woodhouse

Just getting silly now, another nail in the coffin for an already struggling industry!