The government will not ban smoking outside restaurants and pubs despite MPs’ efforts

The government has revealed it will not ban smoking outside restaurants despite pressures from MPs but will expand non-smoking areas.

The House of Lords’ attempt to extend restrictions to outdoor seatings has been denied by the government.

Ministers have said they expect establishments to make ‘reasonable provisions’ for non-smoking areas outside if they want to receive a pavement license. 

As is the case on many Manchester streets, councils across the UK have closed roads and widened pavements to allow more space for diners to aid social distancing and get restaurants, pubs and cafes back open. 

However, an amendment is set to be considered this week to make all pavement licenses issued by councils conditional on outside seating smoke-free. 

As part of a compromise by the government, designated areas should have no-smoking signs, no ashtrays and a minimum two-metre distancing between smoking and non-smoking areas where possible. 

Liberal Democrat, Lord German who is supporting the bid said it could be part of a raft of ‘policies that de-normalise’ smoking.

He said: “Why not use this limited opportunity to provide an environment which is not just smoke-free but is healthy for diners and staff alike?”

“The government can demonstrate that they mean business in the challenge to tackle the harm that smoking does the health of the nation?” 

As coronavirus is a respiratory viral infection affecting the lungs and airways, strong evidence suggests smoking tobacco will cause an increased risk in developing the infection and symptoms may be more severe if you smoke and catch coronavirus, according to the NHS.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local government said in a statement that ‘the government will not ban outdoor smoking’. 

It reads: “Since the existing ban was introduced, businesses have invested heavily in their outdoor areas and banning outdoor smoking would lead to significant closures and job losses.

“However, today’s amendment will ensure that customers are given more choice by ensuring premises offer separate seating for smokers and non-smokers outside.” 

The planning minister Christopher Pincher said: “We are supporting our pubs, cafes and restaurants to safely reopen and securing jobs by making it quicker, easier and cheaper to set up outdoor seating and stalls to serve food and drink, whilst protecting public health against the transmission of Covid.

“These changes will allow everyone to enjoy outdoor eating and drinking whether they smoke or not, with appropriate provisions made for non-smokers and smokers”.