Pubs and restaurants to provide non-smoking outdoor seating under government plans

Pubs and restaurants will be required to offer separate outdoor seating for smokers and non-smokers if parliament approves new legislation.

The government has said it will not ban smoking outside of pubs and restaurants, following calls from some local authorities, fearing this could lead to closures and job losses. Instead it will ask that "reasonable provisions" be made to provide smoke-free outdoor sections.

Planning minister Christopher Pincher MP said: "These changes will allow everyone to enjoy outdoor eating and drinking whether they smoke or not, with appropriate provisions made for non-smokers and smokers.

"The changes in the amendment will help strike the right balance between protecting public health and not imposing additional red tape on businesses at a time when they need as much support as possible. The government will not ban outdoor smoking in pubs, cafés or restaurants."

The recommendations would aim for a minimum of two-metre distancing between smoking and non-smoking areas, with signage used to denote the separation of spaces.

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