Smoking Ban on the Horizon: Football Fans Could Be Hit by New Law
Published 10:37 29 Aug 2024 GMT+1
Leaked documents have revealed that the UK government plans to ban smoking outside football grounds, sparking concerns among fans and pub owners. The proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to crack down on smoking in outdoor spaces, extending the indoor smoking ban introduced in 2007.
The legislation follows warnings from the NHS that passive smoking is particularly dangerous for children, who can develop asthma and meningitis. According to The Sun, leaked Whitehall papers show that ministers plan to ban smoking in areas outside football stadiums, as well as pub beer gardens, restaurant terraces, pavements outside nightclubs and music venues, small parks, playgrounds, and outside universities and hospitals.
Vaping could also be banned under the legislation, which was initially designed to phase out all smoking by continually raising the legal age for buying cigarettes. The original bill made no mention of an outdoor smoking ban when unveiled at the King’s Speech in July. However, ministers and officials have since been working to toughen up the proposals due to fears that too many people suffer from second-hand smoke inhalation.
The move has sparked Cabinet tensions, with memos showing the Business Department fearing the financial cost to hospitality. There are fears that pubs – many of which now rely on match day traffic – could suffer if an outdoor smoking ban is introduced.
The Impact on Football
The proposed ban could have a significant impact on football fans, who often gather outside stadiums to socialize and enjoy a cigarette before and after matches. The ban could also affect the atmosphere and revenue of pubs and bars near stadiums, which often rely on match day trade.
What’s Next?
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is set to be debated in Parliament soon, and it’s unclear whether the government will push through the proposed ban. However, with the NHS warning about the dangers of passive smoking, it’s likely that the bill will receive significant support.
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