UK Labour government plans to introduce outdoor smoking ban, sparking controversy

Recently, according to secret documents disclosed by British media, the UK Labour government is planning to introduce an outdoor smoking ban. This plan has attracted widespread attention and controversy.

The smoking ban includes prohibiting Britons from smoking in bar gardens, near football stadiums, and outside nightclubs. Sidewalks near universities and hospitals may also become smoke-free zones. However, private residences, large parks and roads may not be covered by the ban, and it is not yet determined whether e-cigarettes are covered by the ban.

This plan has been strongly criticized by opposition MPs, who said that "this may ring the death knell for British smokers." Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK Party, said that "this will be the end of pubs." Robert Jenrick, a candidate for the leadership of the Conservative Party, also criticized: "The last thing the UK needs is the closure of thousands of pubs." Government departments are worried that this move will bring losses to the hotel and catering industry. Previously, reports showed that banning smoking in bar gardens may "lead to the closure of a large number of bars and job losses for employees." In addition, the outdoor smoking ban may mean the end of the UK shisha lounge industry. As of 2022, the industry has more than 500 stores in the UK. Critics also worry that the smoking ban will backfire and promote the prosperity of the tobacco black market.

However, some health experts say that this "bold plan will put the UK at the forefront of the world in tobacco control" and will "save countless lives." Senior British government officials believe that the economic benefits of implementing the smoking ban will outweigh the potential costs. Data from Cancer Research UK shows that the number of cancer diagnoses caused by smoking last year was about 57,600, compared with 49,300 in 2003.

A spokesperson for the UK's Department of Health and Social Care said: "We will not comment on leaks. Smoking claims 80,000 lives every year, putting huge pressure on the National Health Service and costing taxpayers billions of pounds. We are determined to protect children and non-smokers from the harm of second-hand smoke." It is reported that the British government will launch a public consultation on the ban. With its absolute majority in Parliament, the Labour Party is expected to get the ban passed. The British government's goal is to achieve a "smoke-free" society by 2030. By then, only 5% of the country's people will smoke. As of 2022, 6.4 million people in the UK smoke, accounting for about 13% of the *** population. Everyone is waiting to see what the ultimate fate of this outdoor smoking ban will be.