A pub landlord has spoken on GB News about Keir Starmer’s plans to ban smoking in some public spaces, arguing it will be “another nail in the coffin” for the hospitality sector.
The prime minister told reporters on Thursday that the Government will “take decisions” on smoking and “more details will be revealed”.
Leaked proposals, reported by The Sun newspaper earlier this week, suggest the Government will ban smoking in outdoor areas by restaurants and hospitals in a bid to ease the NHS burden.
Speaking on GB News, Simon Delaney from the Firbank Pub and Kitchen in Manchester said the plans have left him fearful about the future of his company and the industry as a whole.
Delaney, a pub landlord, hit out at the ban
GB NEWS / PA
“It’s a very weird thing that he’s even brought it up, to be honest”, he said.
“I don’t even think it’s an issue. If it were to go ahead, what is he achieving? We’re already an industry that is struggling massively.
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Smoking could be banned Getty“The previous government showed little interest and little for our industry after Covid. It looks like this government is doing the same thing.
“I can understand the ban in certain areas, like people who choose to come to a pub or choose not to. We’re business owners and we do what we think is best for making this business viable.
“I just think picking on pubs will be another nail in the coffin.”
In 2007, under the last Labour government, smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces was made illegal across the UK.
Simon Delaney joined Ellie Costello and Ben Leo on GB News
GB NEWS
During a visit to Paris on Thursday, Sir Keir told reporters that “over 80,000 people lose their lives every year because of smoking”.
He added: “It’s a huge burden on the NHS and, of course, it’s a burden on the taxpayer. So, yes, we are going to take decisions in this space.
“More details will be revealed, but this is a preventable series of deaths, and we’ve got to take the action to reduce the burden on the NHS and reduce the burden on the taxpayer.”
Former Conservative prime minister Rishi Sunak had announced plans to crack down on smoking with the Tobacco and Vapes Bill last year.
The plans had gathered wide cross-party support, but were shelved when the general election was called earlier in the summer.