The UK’s nightlife scene has taken hit after hit over the past few years, from pandemic shutdowns to skyrocketing costs. Just when we thought things couldn’t get any tougher, there’s talk that Keir Starmer might extend the smoking ban to outdoor areas like pub gardens and nightclub terraces.
For many, this could be the final straw.
Chris Jowsey, CEO of Admiral Taverns, didn’t mince words: “I’m no fan of smoking, but I just can’t see how this will improve health outcomes if you move people from smoking in a pub garden to smoking at home. It doesn’t really make any sense to me.” Jowsey’s concern isn’t just about the health debate; it’s also about what this could mean for the survival of pubs. As he points out, “A pub is the last community asset left standing in many communities. Anything that undermines their ability to survive and grow their business is a bad thing, not just for the pub, but for the community.”
Clive Watson, chairman of Inda Pub Group, shares a similar sentiment. He called the idea “bonkers,” especially considering everything the pub industry has been through recently. “Surely, after all the pub industry has been through, we should be allowed a period of stability,” Watson said. Given the latest 10% energy price hike, pubs and clubs are already struggling to stay afloat. Adding another regulation to the mix could push some venues over the edge.
Tom Bott, founder of Signature Brew, is another voice expressing concern. He warned that “Legislation like this, without adequate consideration of its economic impact, risks further destabilising an industry already under immense pressure. We need support, not more obstacles.”
The debate isn’t just about economics. It’s also about personal freedom. Tim Martin, the founder of JD Wetherspoon, weighed in on the matter, saying, “The question is whether the Government should interfere in individual liberties where danger is involved.” He also pointed out that while secondary smoke can be annoying, it’s not clear that it’s causing significant strain on the NHS.
Rob Pitcher, CEO of Revolution Bars, echoed this, suggesting that the potential ban might be an overreach by the government. “Secondary smoke can occasionally be annoying, but I’m not convinced it’s prevalent enough to be putting any strain at all on the NHS,” he said.
So, what does this mean for the future of UK nightlife? Will we see pub gardens emptying out as smokers head home? And with energy prices climbing, how many pubs and clubs can afford to weather this latest storm? The hospitality industry has faced countless challenges in recent years, but this potential outdoor smoking ban could be the one that leaves a lasting mark.
We’ve reached out to the new government for comment, but for now, all we can do is wait and see how this unfolds. One thing’s for sure: the debate is far from over.
Personally I see no benefit and only negatives if this plan was to be implemented. People are already fighting back (somewhat unknowingly) by vaping inside when they go to the club. Putting another reason no to go out in front of customers is not only heavy handed, but lacks foresight into the future night time economy–and just to be clear, I’m no Tory I’ve voted Labour all my adult life.
