NHS England’s data from 2019 indicates that smoking was responsible for an estimated 74,600 deaths. Credit: Oksana Sahinoglu / Shutterstock.

The UK government is considering a smoking ban on outdoor spaces such as pub gardens, outdoor restaurants and areas outside nightclubs, according to leaked documents seen by The Sun.

The documents suggest that the ban could also apply to hospital vicinities, sports grounds and pavements adjacent to these venues.

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The planned restrictions are in line with the previous government’s proposal to gradually phase out tobacco use through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

The bill aimed to create a “smoke-free generation” by prohibiting the sale of tobacco to individuals born on or after January 2009, an initiative outlined by Rishi Sunak during his time as prime minister.

However, the bill was shelved due to the July 2024 General Election.

Secret Whitehall documents have confirmed the intention to broaden the indoor smoking ban, although there is reported resistance from some government members.

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NHS England’s data from 2019 indicates that smoking was responsible for an estimated 74,600 deaths.

In 2022/2023, 408,700 hospital admissions in England were attributed to smoking-related issues.

Health experts have expressed support for the new plans. However, according to the BBC, there is concern among some ministers regarding the potential impact of such a ban on the hospitality industry.

UKHospitality CEO Kate Nichols said that any ban on some outdoor areas could affect economic growth.

Nichols noted: “A ban on smoking in outdoor spaces comes with the prospect of serious economic harm to hospitality venues. You only have to look back to the significant pub closures we saw after the indoor smoking ban to see the potential impact it could have.”