The UK government is considering a ban on smoking in various outdoor spaces, including pub gardens, outdoor restaurants, and sports venues, as part of new measures announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Leaked documents reveal that the proposed restrictions could extend to clubs, universities, children's play areas, and shisha bars.

A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care emphasized the government's commitment to making Britain smoke-free, highlighting the health risks and economic costs associated with smoking.

Health professionals generally support the outdoor smoking ban, viewing it as a necessary step to protect public health, although critics argue it represents an unnecessary intrusion on personal freedoms and could harm struggling businesses.

Critics warn that the ban could lead to business closures and job losses, despite the government's assertion that the health benefits outweigh economic concerns.

Despite a significant decline in smoking rates since the 1970s, approximately 6.4 million people in the UK still smoke, contributing to substantial healthcare costs for the NHS.

Polling by YouGov indicates that 58% of the public support the smoking ban plan, including a notable portion of Conservative voters.

Proponents of the ban argue that it is necessary to protect the 87% of the population who do not smoke from the habits of the 13% who do.

The financial burden of smoking on the NHS is significant, with the UK incurring around £21 billion in smoking-related health costs, despite generating £8.8 billion in tax from nicotine products.

Deborah Arnott of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has called for the revival of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to eliminate smoking for future generations.

Opponents of the proposed ban emphasize that it was not included in Labour's manifesto, which primarily focused on raising the smoking age.

While Prime Minister Starmer supports the ban as a means to reduce preventable deaths, critics, including Nigel Farage, have labeled the initiative as 'authoritarian'.