Like many, I believe that pubs and clubs in our country serve as critical hubs of community and socialisation. These venues have particular significance in the post-COVID era, where the fostering of community is more important than ever. However, Labour's proposed outside smoking ban threatens their very existence, risking their financial collapse and eliminating these precious community spaces.

Labour's move to ban outdoor smoking feels misplaced, focusing on public health grounds while ignoring the detrimental economic and community effects it would impose. What's more, it contradicts the promise of freedom and liberty that our country upholds—denying consenting adults the choice of what they put in their bodies, even if the activities involved carry potential risks.

Analysis carried out by the Office of National Statistics shows that more than half (56.9%) of public houses and bars in our country have outdoor areas, immediately putting them in danger. The British Beer & Pub Association confirms these worries, stating that pubs and clubs could lose at least £5 billion annually due to reduced footfall, which could lead to the closure of a large number of venues (source: The Guardian, 2021).

We cannot allow this outside smoking ban to destroy the social fabric of our society and to infringe upon our personal liberties. We must stand against this move, fight for our pubs and clubs, and safeguard our freedom to make personal choices. Sign this petition and show your support for our thriving community spaces and personal liberty.