Colchester pubs react to pub garden smoking ban U-turn

Labour previously announced plans to ban smoking in pub gardens back in August, but the plans have now been reversed.

Health Secretary, Wes Streeting announced plans to scrap the ban following significant backlash from the hospitality sector.

Announcement - Health Scretary Wes Streeting made the U-turn announcement (Image: Credited) Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously said that the ban on smoking in pub gardens would help people quit smoking and "lower the burden" on the NHS.

Tom West, the landlord of The Marlborough pub in Dedham and The Red Lion in Manningtree said: “Smoking isn’t necessarily my favourite but it had a knock-on effect when the smoking ban was put in place.

Landlord - Tom West of The Marlborough in Dedham (Image: Credited) “It would’ve had a detrimental effect on the pubs and could’ve been the nail in the coffin of several businesses struggling, at a time where we see an increase in national insurance.

“I’m a non-smoker and never enjoyed the smell but appreciate it’s all about choice.

“Pubs do a fantastic job on the mental health side of things as people feel a part of a community and this would have had an effect.

“If we keep losing pubs at this rate, that is the main concern for me.”

Roz Campbell, part of management at The Centurion said: “If we’re able to keep the pub gardens open, it is definitely a positive.

Pub - The Centurion in Colchester (Image: Google Earth) “I don’t really see any negatives to it.”

The pub garden smoking ban was named alongside outdoor restaurants, nightclubs, outside sports venues, hospitals, and some small parks.

The Labour government is still looking to go ahead with Rishi Sunak's plans for a phase smoking ban, which will make it illegal for anyone born after 2010 to legally buy tobacco products.

Labour will also still be banning smoking outside schools and hospitals to protect children and the most vulnerable.

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