A tough labor crackdown on outdoor smoking could trigger violent clashes outside bars, owners warned last night.
They fear that the authoritarian ban will turn beer halls and terraces into flashpoints if customers object to those violating the proposed new laws.
Bar staff will also be put in the firing line, they say, to quell heated arguments outside licensed premises.
Lawmakers predict the “crazy” restriction on cigarette lighting could even threaten public safety, as crowded areas outside football stadiums and nightclubs could become potential gunpowder pits.
Tory Mike Wood, former chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer group, said: “It’s another source of conflict between customers and staff. It’s that extra sticking point. The whole thing is poorly thought out.”
Tony Sophoclides, of UKHospitality, which represents 100,000 venues across the country, said: “There needs to be due consideration, scrutiny and consultation on exactly how this is applied.
“This has to include ensuring that staff are safe and not put in harm’s way. At a time when we want to attract people to these roles, we have to ensure that they are not prohibitive or threatening to any candidate.”
Labour-controlled Newcastle City Council has already banned smoking outside all new bars, restaurants and pubs, now including 100 establishments.
But former Conservative Party chairman Richard Holden said: “The idea of telling people they can’t smoke in a beer garden and forcing them out into the street seems crazy to me.
“The Government will put bar owners and staff in the firing line of customers who understandably think the law banning smoking outside bars is absurd.”
Sir Keir Starmer has faced a growing backlash after confirming plans to extend a smoking ban to breweries, sports grounds and other outdoor venues.
The Prime Minister said he was taking the decision to reduce the burden on the NHS caused by smoking-related diseases, which cost 80,000 lives a year.
But alarmed publicans warned the draconian plan would be a major blow to struggling businesses – and could see one in eight pubs close. And industry experts said it could encourage street violence and put bar staff in danger if they asked drunk customers to put out their cigarettes.
UK Reform Leader Nigel Farage said: “When laws have complete disregard for people, then they are ignored. It can lead to some arguments, there is no doubt about that. It is a burden on the team.”
He added: “To survive, I think pubs will turn a blind eye. It’s one of those laws that is so bad it won’t be enforced.”
A leading lawyer has warned that smokers will gather outside bar entrances, already common hotspots for violence.
Suraj Desor, a lawyer at Poppleston Allen who specialises in alcohol and entertainment licensing, said: “Such a ban could also result in crowds gathering at the last moment before entering bars or football stadiums for a last smoke, which could lead to nuisance or public safety issues.
“It’s likely to be quite challenging to police. Facilities will have to retrain staff and you may have a situation where staff are monitoring outside areas in addition to their existing duties.”
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, warned the policy would be “detrimental to both the industry and community safety”.
He added: “After investing millions in outdoor spaces, businesses are now faced with the prospect of having to ask staff to step in or regulate, implementing expensive systems and additional training.”
Lyle Bignon, who represents bars and restaurants as Birmingham’s Night-Time Economy Ambassador, said: “The consensus from operators, owners and customers is that this is effectively unworkable.”
The Department of Health has admitted that planned laws to ensure only people born before 2009 are allowed to buy tobacco could lead to a rise in violence against shop staff.
An impact assessment said: “There is a risk of increasing the number of customers who are abusive and aggressive towards retail workers.”
And an article published by the Health and Safety Executive warned: “In bars/clubs, entrances can be ‘hotspots’ for violence.”
He added: “People working in pubs and clubs experience frequent verbal abuse, physical assaults including the use of weapons, racial discrimination.” Pubs are already under huge financial pressure and last year saw the highest level of closures – 769 – in a decade, according to research by accountancy firm Price Bailey.
Industry sources say they are already operating on extremely low profit margins due to inflation and fear losing customers if the ban goes ahead.
Mr Bignon said: “Facilities have already invested a lot of money in outdoor areas, partly due to the restrictions during Covid.
“Even a five to eight percent drop in revenues could bankrupt a business. It would mean closures and job losses.”
The British Beer and Pub Association is calling on the government not to proceed with the proposal.
Pub managers are also wary of Labour’s plans to impose minimum prices on alcohol – a move that could drive away even more customers – after a senior government figure floated the idea at an industry event shortly before July’s general election. But a government spokesman insisted there were no plans to introduce the measure.