“Last orders” warning from MP over proposed outdoor smoking ban at pubs

MP Esther McVey has called on the government to drop its plan to extend the smoking ban to outdoor areas – after warnings from local businesses it could spell last orders for some pubs.

Speaking in a Parliamentary debate on support for pubs and the hospitality sector, she said pubs across her constituency were concerned the ban could see footfall fall by up to 30 per cent in venues more reliant on wet sales and could be “enough to close them”.
She said: “Pubs are cornerstones of our communities, social hubs for our constituents and play a key role in local economies.
Across the Tatton constituency, including Lymm, there are 89 pubs and three breweries, supporting 2,350 jobs, generating £29 million pounds in tax and contributing £60 million pounds to the economy. She said.
Ms McVey called on government to drop its plans, but said “at the very least” if it was intent on pushing ahead it must consult with the industry and do an impact assessment – something “this government tries to shy away from”.

She also reiterated her call for business rate relief (introduced by the last government which will end in March) to be extended until there is a full overhaul of the tax – something she has been proposing for years.
In addition, she said Labour’s proposed increase in NI contributions would devastate the already struggling pub and hospitality sector, as would Labour’s new workers’ rights bill which by government’s own analysis could cost businesses up to £5 billion a year to implement.
Ms McVey added: “Labour really needs to stop putting extra burdens and taxes on our pubs and businesses – or they will see some unable to cope and close their doors for good next year.”