Carlisle's hospitality industry reacts to possible outdoor smoking ban

According to a report in The Sun newspaper, Whitehall documents show ministers wishing to extend the indoor smoking ban to beer gardens, outside stadia and outdoor areas of restaurants.

The ban could also apply to outside areas of universities, hospitals, sports grounds, small parks, and children’s play areas.

These potential changes could come as part of prime minister Keir Starmer’s stricter Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

A government spokesperson declined to confirm if such plans were on the table, and said: “We don’t comment on leaks.

“Smoking claims 80,000 lives a year, puts huge pressure on our NHS, and costs taxpayers billions.

“We are determined to protect children and non-smokers from the harms of second-hand smoking. We’re considering a range of measures to finally make Britain smoke-free.”

The news has polarised the nation, with some supporting it from a public health perspective as it would discourage smoking more and may improve the al fresco dining experience for customers who hate the smell of smoke.

Colin Cox, director of public health and communities at Cumberland Council, said: “Smoking remains one of the biggest preventable causes of illness and death – in Cumbria, it’s still estimated to contribute to around 700 deaths every year, and our smoking rate is still higher than the England average.

Colin Cox (Image: Supplied)

“However, most people don’t smoke, and don’t want to be exposed to cigarette smoke when they’re out socialising – so I would welcome anything that helps to keep cigarette smoke away from everyone else, and that helps make smoking seem less normal in society.

“If these ideas go ahead, people who smoke will still be able to do so – just not so close to everyone else.”

Others oppose the plans on the belief that they violate a smoker’s right to smoke and could damage business as smoking customers would be less inclined to visit pubs, perhaps favouring their own gardens instead.

Andrew Davenport manages The Buttered Cat, a café with plenty of outside seating and ashtrays for smokers.

He’s a former smoker and vaper, but said customers choosing to smoke doesn’t bother him.

“It’s their choice to smoke; if the bans come into place I think it will probably affect us and other cafes,” he said.

Andrew Davenport (Image: Supplied)

He said a potential negative side-effect would be increased littering on streets as smokers wouldn’t be able to properly dispose of their butts in ashtrays since they wouldn’t be provided since the practice would be banned outright.

He added a fair portion of his custom comes from smokers looking to enjoy a cigarette with their drinks outside.

One of the managers of Bordo Lounge, a café bar in Carlisle, who chose not to be named, said being able to smoke outside is expected.

“I’m a smoker, and when I have an alcoholic drink I expect to be able to have a smoke... if I can’t do that then I won’t go out."

Bordo Lounge, Carlisle (Image: Isaac Cooper)

Many customers do the same while sitting at Bordo Lounge’s outside tables as she explained: “We have quite large numbers who sit outside because they want to smoke.”

She added: “There was an impact when they banned smoking inside, but people got used to it.

“But if it was banned outside, you’re effectively turning away an entire customer base.”

Going further, Steve Airey, who owns restaurant and bar Stanley’s on Lowther Street, said he’s in the planning stage of introducing a cigar-themed night.

He’s conducting market research currently, but said it could involve a menu with single malts and suggested cigar pairings which interested customers could choose from and enjoy outside.

Stanley's Bar and Restaurant, Carlisle (Image: Google)

On the plans, he said he understands the problems some people have with smoking, but views it as an affront to people’s rights.

“If people go out, they’re going to smoke, it’s part of socialising,” he added.

He said it isn’t likely to affect business, however, as people go out to drink, not smoke.

Another vocal opponent is Peter OByrne who manages the St Nicholas Arms on London Road, which has a large outdoor area.

“It’s ludicrous; so many pubs are going down, and now (the government) are trying to do this?" he said. “Even if there’s a ban people are going to smoke, it’s a total waste of time."

On the other hand, Yann Besombes, general manager of The Halston and the Penny Blue restaurant on Warwick Road, said he would welcome such a ban.

“As a non-smoker, I’m quite happy about this.

“It’s quite difficult to have people outside smoking because the smoke comes back inside,” he said, adding that it’s also a problem for customers entering and leaving having to walk through a cloud of smoke.

READ MORE: Flower show inspires new garden terrace at The Halston

There is outside seating, but smoking is discouraged.

The Halston's garden terrace (Image: The Halston)

The business also considers vaping to be equal to smoking, hence it is banned entirely inside.

Outside, it’s difficult to manage, even if staff discourage it as much as possible, Mr Besombes said.

“We strongly encourage customers not to smoke outside and near diners, but you can’t control it.

“People think that when they’re outside they can smoke as much as they want, but we’re a family environment.”