Outdoor smoking ban will not apply to hospitality

Hospitality venues will not be included in the government’s plans to ban smoking in outside places, it has been revealed today.

The government has agreed to drop hospitality from the scope of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is being set out in Parliament today. However, it will give new powers to extend the indoor smoking ban to specific outdoor spaces, such as children’s playgrounds, outside schools, and hospitals. 

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is part of the government’s plan to create a smoke-free generation. It will also include the phasing out the sale of tobacco products across the UK to anyone aged 15 or younger this year.

This is in addition to a ban on vape advertising and sponsorship in the Bill and powers to restrict the flavours, display, and packaging of all types of vapes and other nicotine products.   

Disposable vapes are also due to be banned from 1st June 2025 under separate environmental legislation.    

Responding to the news 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.”

According to the government, smoking claims around 80,000 lives a year in the UK and costs taxpayers £3.1 billion a year.