UK county to become first place in country to ban outdoor smoking

The UK’s first outdoor smoking ban is set to be introduced as lockdowns across the country are lifted. 

Oxfordshire will become the first county in the country to enforce the controversial ban, with many others set to follow.

As a result of the ban, the county hopes to be ‘cigarette-free’ by the year 2025. 

The plan was agreed by public health officials before the pandemic began in February last year, and is now being implemented as lockdown begins to ease.

The county’s strategy includes creating more environments where people feel ’empowered’ not to smoke.

Officials would also aim to encourage employers to stop people smoking outside offices and factories, and to create new smoke-free areas in pavement dining spaces.

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Smoking has already been banned in all outdoor seating areas here in Greater Manchester as a part of the current COVID-19 restrictions.

New legislation recently passed by the government calls for bars and restaurants to provide both smoking and non-smoking areas outside their premises, but the city council will go one step further by making all outdoor areas smoke-free so as to not ‘sleepwalk from one health crisis to another.’ 

Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, executive member for neighbourhoods, said: “Smoking is not only terrible for our health but is also an unpleasant thing for bystanders to endure.

“I am sure that after months inside the last thing people want is a face full of smoke when trying to enjoy a meal or drink.”