Nearly two-thirds of people support a ban on smoking in pub gardens, according to a new poll. The measure is seen as a 'common sense' change that could improve public health, according to the charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash).
Poll Findings
Ash commissioned a YouGov poll of 13,259 people. The majority of respondents supported smoke-free playgrounds, bus stops, and university and college campuses. Specifically, 93% backed smoke-free playgrounds, 78% supported smoke-free bus stops, 62% favoured extending smoke-free legislation to outdoor hospitality spaces like pub gardens, and 68% supported smoke-free university and college campuses.
Legislative Context
The poll follows the recent introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which received Royal Assent in April. The Bill makes the UK the first nation in Europe to introduce legislation preventing children aged 17 or younger from ever legally purchasing cigarettes. A Government consultation on extending smoke-free legislation to certain outdoor spaces, such as playgrounds or hospital grounds, as well as establishing vape-free zones in England, concluded on May 8. Its findings are expected to be published later this year.
Charity and Industry Reactions
Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Ash, said: 'Smoke-free laws have been one of the biggest public health success stories in recent decades. But millions of people are still exposed to harmful second-hand smoke in outdoor settings. The public is clear that they want more places where they can breathe clean air. As ministers review the findings from the consultation, there is a strong mandate to go further and faster. Extending smoke-free laws to areas like pub gardens, all play areas, university campuses and transport hubs is a common-sense next step that will protect health and support a smoke-free generation.'
Ash also argued that a vape-free exemption should be introduced within smoking cessation services, ensuring smokers continue to be encouraged to switch to e-cigarettes as a means of quitting. Richard Begg, from VPZ - The Vaping Specialist, said: 'We support proportionate measures to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke in public spaces, including smoke-free pub gardens and areas frequented by children and families. However, it is important that policymakers continue to distinguish between smoking and vaping. Cigarettes produce harmful smoke through combustion, whereas vaping products do not involve combustion and are widely recognised as a significantly less harmful alternative for adult smokers.'
Projected Impact
Government projections indicate the Tobacco and Vapes Bill could reduce the total number of smokers aged 14 and over to 701,167 in 2056, down from 5,502,164 in 2023. The modelling further estimates that approximately 154,800 deaths will be prevented in England by 2100.
Government and Health Experts Response
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'The Tobacco and Vapes Act is a historic step towards Britain's first smoke-free generation, protecting them from the harms of smoking and delivering on our ambition for a smoke-free UK. Our consultation on free-from places closed on Friday, and we are carefully considering responses.'
Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Asthma + Lung UK, said: 'No one should be forced to breathe toxic smoke when going about their daily lives – and these figures show the public agrees. Following on from the ground-breaking Tobacco and Vapes Act, the Government now has a real opportunity to go further in protecting public health and create a truly smoke-free country.'
