Since the smoking ban was introduced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2007 (and Scotland the previous year), smokers are now forced to smoke outside. Many huddle by the pub’s front door, but others choose a much more comfortable place to enjoy a smoke.
The beer garden used to be a place where people could enjoy a drink in the summer weather. But now that enjoyment is slowly being overtaken by smokers who can still enjoy a seat, a drink and a smoke all at the same time – rather than standing by the door.
Beer gardens use to be little more than a few tables and chairs. But since the smoking ban was introduced five years ago they have developed into smoking paradises. They have lighting, shelter and even patio heaters for those chilly evenings. So why would a smoker stand outside the front door in the rain when they have this luxury at the back of the pub?
Speaking of the smoking issue in beer gardens, Barbara Harpham, the national director of Heart Research UK, said: “Sometimes it’s like stepping out into a mist. The majority of people don’t like smoking but when they go outside it’s imposed on them.
“If people want to smoke outdoors they should be able to, but you don’t want kids going where there are people smoking.”
But why should smokers not be allowed to sit outside in comfort? After all there is no ban to stop them smoking outside. One smoker we spoke to who wished to remain anonymous spoke of their dismay at the news.
He said: “Smokers have already been banished outside in all weathers and now people are complaining about smoking in beer gardens?”
But surely an easy solution to the issue could be to simply divide the beer garden into a smoking area and non-smoking area. That way everyone is happy. But enforcing the rules would be up to the pub itself, which could end up costing them more money in staffing and it could also create more issues.
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