Weymouth reaction to proposed smoking ban in pub gardens

First reported by a national newspaper and confirmed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the proposal would extend the indoor smoking ban to beer gardens, outside stadiums, and outdoor restaurants.

Pubs in Weymouth say that the ban would be harmful to business.

Taz Russ, a bar worker at the Dry Dock on St Thomas Street, said: "We have quite a few people that sit outside and enjoy a cigarette, I don't know what options there would be for them.

"I am a smoker myself, it would put me off going to the pub, because why would I if I could not even enjoy a cigarette? I might as well stay home."

Taz Russ, a bar worker at the Dry Dock on St Thomas Street (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

The landlady of The Edinburgh House of Sounds, also on St Thomas Street, Laura Norris said: "I think he (Sir Keir Starmer) is just put out because he was kicked out of a pub that one time.

"It is not going to be great for any pubs. I think it is a joke, entirely sensationalist, 'How can we upset everybody'."

Ashleigh Whitehorn, bar manager at The Wellington Arms in St Alban Street, said: "I don't think it is a good idea.

"People are just going to think there is no point going out and stay at home."

The Wellington Arms (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Weymouth residents have also voiced their concerns on the issue.

Tony Lister from Wyke Regis said: "It isn't going to work. I don't smoke, I haven't in ten years and I still think it is a ridiculous idea. At the end of the day, who is going to police it?"

Debby, Amanda and Marge also don't believe that the ban is a good idea. They enjoy sitting outside cafés chatting and having a smoke.

Debby, Amanda and Marge (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Debby said: "If they want to kill the town, then they should go ahead. It will close half of the cafés."

Amanda added: "They are always picking on smokers.

"Things are bad enough with the cost of living without taking away my one pleasure. I will have to take on cake instead, and then we will have an obesity crisis.

"I think a lot of people are gobsmacked by this."