Despite pressure from the House of Lords and local councils, the UK government will not ban smoking outside bars and restaurants, reported the Independent.

The decision comes after a bid by the House of Lords to extend smoking restrictions to new outdoor seating areas. Across the UK, some councils have made the decision to close roads and widen pavements in order to provide more space for drinkers and diners at pubs and restaurants, aiding social distancing by providing more space. Although the government will not completely ban smoking in these areas, it is expected that establishments will have to make “reasonable provision” for non-smoking areas if they wish to obtain a pavement licence.
The government plans to designate non-smoking areas with no smoking signs, no ashtrays and, wherever possible, a minimum of two metres between smoking and non-smoking areas. According to the report, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local government released a statement which stated, “the government will not ban outdoor smoking”, but also added “today’s amendment will ensure that customers are given more choice by ensuring premises offer separate seating for smokers and non-smokers outside.”
The planning minister Christopher Pincher said, “We are supporting our pubs, cafes and restaurants to safely reopen and securing jobs by making it quicker, easier and cheaper to set up outdoor seating and stalls to serve food and drink, whilst protecting public health against the transmission of Covid.”
“These changes will allow everyone to enjoy outdoor eating and drinking whether they smoke or not, with appropriate provisions made for non-smokers and smokers.”