Michael Kill CEO NTIA Says:
“Following the Government leak yesterday which revealed plans to extend the smoking ban to outdoor areas such as beer gardens, spaces outside nightclubs, restaurant terraces and Shisha bars have understandably caused concern across the sector. Although smoking rates have seen a significant decline, many have switched to vaping – a trend that, according to these leaks, may also fall under new regulatory scrutiny.”
“This raises the critical question: Are we on the brink of becoming a nanny state? What is next? While these measures may rightly be driven by public health considerations, they risk dividing opinion and imposing yet another regulatory burden on businesses already facing considerable challenges. At a time when our industry desperately needs the freedom to trade, the last thing we need is further barriers.”
“Although many will not be personally affected by these potential changes, it’s important to recognise that 6.4 million people in the UK still smoke, many of whom enjoy doing so in social settings like beer gardens. These leaked regulations could significantly impact their lifestyle choices and the businesses that serve them.”
“As we consider the implications of these potential restrictions, we must question whether such an approach is truly in the public interest, or whether it risks over-regulation at the cost of personal freedom and business viability.”
