FURIOUS drinkers have torn into Labour’s plans to ban outdoor smoking.
An exclusive Sun poll reveals 60 per cent think the controversial move raises the risk of wiping out the nation’s locals.
More than half say cops will be wasting resources enforcing any ban.
TV star and landlord James May said: “I can’t imagine it’s of any benefit to humankind to say people can’t smoke in the pub garden.”
Landlords face a greater risk of going bust, 60 per cent of punters believe.
A quarter say the move will make no difference, and 12 per cent insist stubbing it out outside will help their business.
Our poll also shows voters rank such a ban at the bottom of a list priorities for the new government — behind the cost of living, the NHS, immigration, crime and reaching Net Zero.
The Sun last week revealed PM Sir Keir Starmer’s desire to ban outdoor puffing.
Landlords, already reeling from the Covid and energy costs crises, were quick to warn of catastrophic consequences for the sector.
Commons Leader Lucy Powell yesterday insisted the Government was not attacking the hospitality industry and that the clampdown would not damage growth.
She insisted: “We support hospitality. It’s vital to communities, our high street, our economy.”
Pro-smoking group Forest hit back: “It’s an attack on adult smokers . . . and hospitality will inevitably take a significant hit. It’s not rocket science.”
Our poll of 1,032 Brits by Charlesbye Strategy also shows that 52 per cent DO support a pub garden smoking ban, with 30 per cent opposed and 17 per cent neutral.
Given the option to have designated smoking and non-smoking areas, 41 per cent were in favour, with 29 per cent wanting a full ban and 26 per cent for the status quo.
And 52 per cent said it would be inappropriate for police to waste resources policing an outdoor ban, compared to 27 per cent who think it would be appropriate.
Grand Tour host James May, who owns a pub in Wiltshire, told Times Radio yesterday: “It’s ridiculous meddling.
“I can’t imagine it’s of any benefit to humankind, really, to say people can’t smoke outside in the pub garden.
“I think governments on the whole should leave pubs alone.
“They’re having a hard enough time as it is. If a few people like the chef, or a few customers want to go out the back to have a crafty fag then I’m very happy with that idea.”
The outdoor ban would also cover restaurant terraces, kids’ parks and outside stadiums.
I can’t imagine it’s of any benefit to humankind, really, to say people can’t smoke outside in the pub garden
Grand Tour host James May
It was not in Labour’s manifesto — and 43.4 per cent in our poll believe Sir Keir should implement only what was in his election pledge.
Just 14 per cent think he should be able to go further. A third were neutral.
A government spokesman said: “Smoking and second- hand smoking costs the NHS billions a year.
“Sickness has forced almost three billion out of work and on to welfare.
“Unless we take action, taxpayers and the NHS will pay the price.
“As Lucy Powell said, we will consult extensively on any changes to the bill.”
