More than six in 10 Brits want pub gardens to ban smoking and vaping, survey reveals

MORE than 60 per cent of Brits want pub gardens to ban smoking and vaping, a survey has revealed.

With the summer season upon us and more opting to booze outside, tolerance for cigarette fans has gone up in smoke.


A poll of 2,000 adults found that more than six in ten adults want the habit to become a thing of the past in pub gardens, while three quarters of those asked feel smokers and vapers should check with non-smokers before puffing away in a group situation. 

Almost half – 45 per cent – have even asked smokers or vapers not to indulge around them, with Londoners more confident to speak out than any other region at 70 per cent.

The research by Swedish Match, producer of tobacco-free nicotine pouches ZYN, also found one in five felt "empowered" when asking friends not to vape or smoke around them.

Others felt "justified" that it was their right to ask people to stop smoking near them and that they were simply standing up for themselves.

But more than half – 58 per cent – have resorted to switching seats or moving away from friends who are smoking or vaping around them.

It also emerged that 65 per cent think someone who smokes in a group environment without asking first is "inconsiderate", while 54 per cent said they are "thoughtless" not to check with others. 

Just over six in 10 parents ask friends and family who smoke or vape near their children to stop.

And nearly a third keep them away from pals and relatives who smoke or vape altogether. 

Despite news that Oxfordshire is planning a smoking ban for outdoor hospitality as part of plans to become the first smoke-free county by 2025, a whopping 80 per cent of smokers admitted to lighting up next to non-smoking family members.

More than a quarter never even ask the people they’re with if it’s ok for them to smoke or vape around them.

Hearteningly, 70 per cent of smokers believe you should always ask for permission to smoke for those around you.

And nearly half of parents who smoke said they don’t smoke in front of their own kids.

But 62 per cent admitted to smoking or vaping in front of the children of their friends and family. 

The research, carried out via OnePoll, also found one in five smokers admitted to feeling embarrassed when their friends or family moved children away from them when smoking.

Another 17 per cent felt offended and 11 per cent went as far as to say it made them angry.

It comes as six councils in England have now banned smoking outside pubs, cafes and restaurants in a bid to make the country smoke-free by 2025.

Newcastle City Council, Manchester City Council and Durham County Council have all axed cigarettes on pavements where outdoor hospitality venues have tables.

Northumberland County Council and North Tyneside Council are also telling outside drinkers to stub it out.

And Gateshead Council does not have an official policy in place but all licences state pavement cafes must be smoke-free.

The local authorities have followed Oxford, who plan to ban smoking outside of bars and restaurants when lockdown ends.

The city is hoping to wipe out the habit completely by 2025 – five years ahead of the government's target.

A spokesperson for Swedish Match, producer of Zyn, said: “For those who use nicotine products but don’t want to miss out on a moment with their family or friends, ZYN tobacco-free pouches are a discreet, convenient alternative to smoking or vaping.

“You place them under your top lip for up to an hour and don’t have to worry about offending anyone or suffer from any FOMO (fear of missing out).”

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