It is impossible to ignore the potential economic danger to pubs in Preston and Lancashire if an outdoor smoking ban is introduced.

That’s the verdict from one industry champion who said that it is important the hospitality industry is protected through any such plans.

Labour, as part of its plans to create a ‘smoke-free country’ proposes to ban smoking in pub beer gardens and the plans have been divisive. 

Read more: Thousands of Preston households told to apply for temporary parking permit during BBC Radio 2 In The Park weekend

Lucy Powell, a Labour cabinet minister, told Sky News at the weekend that the move was not an attack on the hospitality industry and that they would consult with businesses ahead of any move. 

A body that represents businesses across Preston said that concerns over the economic impact of the ban are ‘valid’ and ‘cannot simply be overlooked’.

Babs Murphy, chief executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said: “The proposal for a total smoking ban both indoors and outdoors, near to specified premises, presents a double-edged sword.  On one hand, it offers the potential to significantly improve public health, on the other, it raises valid concerns regarding the economic impact of such a ban.

“While the health benefits present a compelling case, the economic implications cannot simply be overlooked.

“The hospitality industry generates substantial revenue in tax receipts and employs many hundreds of local people. Critics of the ban raise concerns about potential negative impacts on revenues, as many smokers are known to frequent pubs and hospitality venues, and there is apprehension that a ban may deter this demographic.

“As the conversation around this issue continues, it is crucial for business owners and policymakers to engage in open dialogue and consultation before decisions are made and any laws are passed.”

Smoking still claims around 80,000 lives per year and costs the NHS in England around £2.6bn every year. The indoor smoking ban, introduced in 2007, reportedly convinced hundreds of thousands of smokers to quit. 

But there are concerns that any outdoor smoking ban might not have the same impact. 

Mark Bentham, owner of the Beer Box in Bamber Bridge, told Blog Preston: “Stopping people smoking outside of pubs won’t stop people smoking altogether, which seems to be the aim.

“The original smoking ban people either accepted and got on with it or gave up altogether. I don’t think that will happen with this. 

“If it’s brought in, who gets the fine if someone is caught smoking? I expect bigger pubs to be affected more.”

There are also broader concerns about the fragility of the hospitality industry which remains the third largest employer in the UK and provides over three million jobs. 

Adrian Smith, chairman of the Central Lancashire branch of CAMRA, said: “The indoor smoking ban was a challenging time for pubs but it’s hard to pinpoint with statistics how great the impact was. 

“Pubs face a number of challenges and so many have closed over the last 10 years. Fewer young people are drinking, there’s a cost-of-living crisis and pubs have to compete not with each other, but with supermarkets who can sell for a fraction of the cost.

“It’s not clear what impact the proposed outdoor smoking ban would have or even how it would work. A lot of pubs in Preston aren’t necessarily known for big outdoor beer gardens so they could be okay.

“There are probably more important issues for pubs than this. Hospitality is one of the biggest employers in the country and people rely on pubs for their day to day living. Socialising is good for people so the bigger question is what can be done to protect these places and keep them economically viable?”

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines