LANDLORDS have raised concerns about rumoured plans to ban smoking in pub gardens warning it will lead to closures.

They fear it would be a death knell for many city boozers as the government is reported to be look at prohibiting smoking in areas including beer gardens, small parks, and outdoor restaurants.

Sir Keir Starmer said they were looking to reduce the burden on the NHS as smoking is one of the leading causes of death in the UK and is currently responsible for around 80,000 every year.

Shane Griffin, operator of the Brunswick Arms, said: "I disagree with the plans, pubs are struggling as they are and putting more rules in place will stop people coming out. 

"I smoke and I'm respectful of non-smokers around me.

"I seriously think it's a ridiculous idea.

"We're just going to lose more and more pubs going forward."

About 7,000 pubs closed in the UK in the first eight years after a ban on smoking indoors came into effect in July 2007.

However, according to the health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), there was a 2.4 per cent reduction in hospital admissions for heart attacks in the year following the introduction of the law. 

Russell Fox, manager of the King's Arms, Ombersley, said: "They've got far more important things to be dealing with.

"You can't smoke in public anyway so I don't suppose it is much different.

"I don't think it's going to make too much of a difference."

John Dean, managing director of The Alma Tavern, said: "I think it's a further nail in the coffin of the hospitality industry.

"All it will do is push people onto the street next to the pub to smoke.

"It doesn't make any sense."

Mr Dean was also concerned about the effects it may have on taxes, with tobacco duties expected to raise £8.8 billion in 2024-25.

"If we're stopping people from smoking, where is that money going to come from?" he said.

Nationwide pub chains have also responded to the plans with concern and confusion.

Admiral Taverns owns over 1,600 pubs across the UK, including the Swan Inn in Barbourne Road.

Chris Jowsey, Admiral Tavern's chief executive, said: "This proposed ban is going to drive people who smoke away from the pub. 

"I'm no fan of smoking, but I just can't see how this will improve health outcomes if you move people from smoking in a pub garden to smoking at home.

"It doesn't really make any sense to me."

Mr Jowsey added: "A pub is the last community asset left in many communities. Anything that undermines their ability to survive and grow their business is a bad thing, not just for the pub, but for the community.