Mixed reaction to ban on smoking outside pubs

Calls to ban smoking outside pubs were discussed with a panel of guests on Politics Live (BBC1) yesterday.

Presenter Jo Coburn (who is/was a smoker) spoke to MPs Chris Bryant (Labour) and Miriam Cates (Conservative), plus journalists Madeline Grant (Telegraph) and Nancy Fielder (Sheffield Star).

Nancy Fielder described the idea as a "good thing", Madeline Grant (an occasional smoker) said she "couldn't disagree more", while Miriam "I am not a libertarian" Cates argued that "banning things removes our autonomy as people" although she could see the argument for a temporary ban on smoking outside if non-smokers had no alternative but to sit outside too.

Unexpectedly, having said that voting for the indoor smoking ban was the proudest thing he had ever done as an MP, Chris Bryant was less certain when asked about extending the smoking ban into outdoor areas. "I don't know" was his reply.

The seven-minute item begins at 37:14. Not sure how long it will be available but to watch it now click here.

Note: The story that prompted the discussion was based on a survey that found that 'More than six in 10 Brits want pub gardens to ban smoking and vaping'.

Interestingly the survey was commissioned by Swedish Match, producer of the ZYN brand of tobacco-free nicotine pouches. According to a spokesman for the company:

“For those who use nicotine products but don’t want to miss out on a moment with their family or friends, ZYN tobacco-free pouches are a discreet, convenient alternative to smoking or vaping.

“You place them under your top lip for up to an hour and don’t have to worry about offending anyone or suffer from any FOMO (fear of missing out).”

Clearly Swedish Match has no vested interest in a ban on smoking and vaping in beer gardens and other outdoor areas!