Call for smoking to be banned outdoors at pubs in Britain In a recent study, one in five ex-smokers have stated that a ban on smoking on pub premises and that includes pub gardens and outdoor seating would help them quit the habit for good. The Quitting Smoking for Mental Health study asked a thousand current and ex-smokers across the United Kingdom what measures could be the Best help for smoking cessation, they responded with: •
A smoking ban in all public places, including hospitals, parks and bus stops’ - 26%
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A ban on smoking on pub premises, including pub gardens and outdoor seating’ - 20%
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A workplace ban on smoking on the premises and cigarette breaks’ - 19%
The study, which was conducted by a company called Vape Club also found that 43.9% of ex-smokers stated that their mental health has improved since quitting smoking and the pandemic has driven an ‘astonishing’ quit rate among young smokers, according to smoking cessation charity, ASH. However, with the pubs reopening today many have stressed their concerns about relapsing back into the habit.
Try and remember how far you’ve come - If you quit smoking for three months then what is making you want to start when in a local pub? Remember how smoking made you feel, for me it was stomach pains and chesty and remember why you’re so much better without it”. ASH have called for ‘pop up’ pavement licences to be made smokefree; helping smokers to ‘quit and stay quit’, providing family-friendly spaces, and preventing harm caused by second-hand smoke.
A local pub owner in Bristol, said: “We see an increase in smoking when people drink alcohol. We are fortunate to have an extensive external space, with tables that are very well spaced and table service for safety with the pandemic. While we see no need to implement a no smoking policy as it would reduce trade, I can understand urban venues with limited outside access would have an issue.
Steve Guff, an ex-smoker from Brighton, said: “It’s quite a tricky one I’d imagine as some outside pub spaces aren’t big enough to separate the garden but I think separate areas would be a good idea. 40
I can imagine that a blanket ban would make it easier for an ex-smoker, simply because they no longer have to tell themselves not to smoke. “You cant smoke” is much easier that “you can but best you don’t smoke”, especially after a few pints!”
