Horse races won’t be hit by outdoor smoking ban but pub gardens WILL still be stung --[Reported by Umva mag]

THE outdoor smoking ban will not hit the horse races — but pub gardens are still being stung.

A public backlash has also forced vaping to be allowed outside boozers after ministers backed off an even harsher crackdown to include e-cigs.

Alamy

Some of the curbs have now been reconsidered since they were first leaked to The Sun last month.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting is thought to have been swayed against the fags prohibition at nag courses like Cheltenham, Ascot and Aintree.

It followed industry concerns that banning smoking would be a hammer blow to the sport.

Given its large open spaces it was argued a ban would have little impact.

But Government sources warned pub gardens would almost certainly fall under the ban despite landlords voicing similar concerns.

While alive to punter fears, Mr Streeting is being urged to act by Chief Medical Officer Sir Chris Whitty.

Ministers say it could even be good for pubs, as families deterred by smoking will be more likely to go.

Areas outside of schools, stadiums, hospitals and universities will also be snared by the ban as part of a ramped-up Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

But before becoming law, it will be put to a consultation — which is set to face angry responses from the hospitality sector.

Ministers are still confident voters will back the ban, with some polls showing Brits are narrowly in favour.

It will carry through Rishi Sunak’s policy of phasing out cigarettes by stopping anyone born after 2008 from buying them.

Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to act to reduce 88,000 smoke-related deaths every year.

The following news has been carefully analyzed, curated, and compiled by Umva Mag from a diverse range of people, sources, and reputable platforms. Our editorial team strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information we provide. By combining insights from multiple perspectives, we aim to offer a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of the events and stories that shape our world. Umva Mag values transparency, accountability, and journalistic integrity, ensuring that each piece of content is delivered with the utmost professionalism.