Stay alert, smoking bans close pubs

Thanks to the 36 people who joined us on Zoom last night, up from 33 three weeks ago.

I think that's quite a good number for an online meeting (or chat) because it means everyone who wants to say something has an opportunity to do so. It also means the event is unlikely to over-run beyond the allotted time.

The principal topics were going to be the menthol cigarette ban and the suggestion by Conservative MP Mark Pritchard to restrict smoking outside pubs and cafes when the government eases the present lockdown on the hospitality industry, but no-one seemed particularly interested in discussing Pritchard's proposal.

I'm not sure if it's because they think it's so silly it's not worth talking about, or because they think it has no chance of being implemented.

Either way, I would err on the side of caution. Reports this week suggest that 'Pubs, cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating allowed to reopen in June' so it could become an issue very quickly.

John Mallon, our man in Ireland, gave us an update last night and reported that the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland wants outdoor areas to be completely non-smoking when pubs and bars reopen.

John did several radio interviews on the subject and said the overwhelming response – even from non-smokers – was hostile to the idea. However health minister Simon Harris – asked about the proposal and forced to give an off-the-cuff response – said he would "consider" it.

The vintners (publicans) were quick to condemn the idea but the Restaurateurs Association of Ireland supported it.

It seems crazy that any government would foist more rules and regulations on pubs when they are struggling to stay in business, but we are talking about the UK and Ireland, two of top three countries in Chris Snowdon's Nanny State Index.

The publicans in Ireland opposed the smoking ban but that didn't stop it happening, and we all know the impact of the smoking ban on pubs and clubs in the UK – thousands closed as a direct result.

Many of the pubs that went out of business were inner city 'landlocked' pubs, those without a beer garden or outside space where people could smoke in relative comfort. Imagine if the pubs that survived the smoking ban because they were able to offer an outdoor smoking area with tables and seating were forced to ban smoking outside as well.

In terms of publicity, Pritchard's proposal didn't get further than Shropshire where his constituency is, but I'm sorry to say that I distrust all secretaries of state for health. They all go native eventually and I don't think Matt Hancock had far to travel when he took the post.

If it was down to Boris I think we'd be OK (despite his sudden enthusiasm for a 'war on obesity') but ever since the PM got ill it's not been entirely clear who is directing the ship.

Time will tell. In the meantime, stay alert. Smoking bans close pubs.