Outdoor smoking – provision for non-smoking areas in pubs and café gardens

People using pubs, restaurants and cafes will soon have greater freedom to choose non-smoking outdoor areas, following an amendment tabled to legislation in Parliament.

Under the Business and Planning Bill, the amendment will ensure that customers are given more choice by ensuring premises offer separate seating for smokers and non-smokers outside.

Current laws make it illegal to smoke in enclosed areas, and business owners can already make their own non-smoking policies in places where food is served. While the Government will not ban outdoor smoking in pubs, cafes or restaurants, the guidance will make it clear that the licence-holder has to make reasonable provision for smoke-free seating, including:

  1. Clear ‘no smoking’ signage displayed in designated areas.
  2. No ash trays or similar receptacles to be provided or permitted to be left on furniture where smoke-free seating is identified.
  3. Licence holders should aim for a minimum 2-metre distance between non-smoking and smoking areas, wherever possible.