Racecourse bosses criticise the British government's plan for 'mad, idiotic' outdoor smoking ban

Racecourse bosses have reacted with incredulity to reports that the British government may extend the smoking ban to include many outdoor places.

Under the plans, which were leaked to The Sun, smoking could be prohibited in pub gardens, outdoor restaurants and outside hospitals, universities and sports grounds. 

Although not directly mentioned, it is assumed racecourses would also be included, sparking concern over the potential impact at a time when attendances are under pressure. Total racecourse attendance in Britain has fallen from almost six million in 2016 to 4.8m last year.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer did not deny the reports when asked about them on Thursday and said “we have got to take action” to reduce the burden the impact of smoking puts on the NHS. However, there was immediate criticism from the hospitality sector, which fears the ban could cost jobs.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of the trade body representing UK hospitality, said: “A ban on smoking in outdoor spaces comes with the prospect of serious economic harm to hospitality venues. You only have to look back to the significant pub closures we saw after the indoor smoking ban to see the potential impact it could have.”

Bosses at Thirsk, Newton Abbot and Leicester reacted with bewilderment to the proposals, while Racecourse Association chief executive David Armstrong said the organisation would take part in a government consultation if it reaches that stage.

The chief executive of Thirsk racecourse has reacted with disbelief to the government's plansCredit: JOHN GROSSICK

Thirsk chief executive James Sanderson said: “People are very respectful about where they smoke. The ban on smoking indoors came a long time ago.

“I've been running Thirsk for 13 years now and am very involved with Catterick as well. I cannot remember a single instance during that time where a member of the public has complained about smoking.”

He added: “It very much sounds like a nanny state. The public don’t need dictating to by bureaucrats.”

Pat Masterson, longstanding managing director of Newton Abbot, holds similar views.

“I would imagine a smoking ban outside would give us a problem,” he said. “Some people like to smoke and why should they be stopped from doing so in an outside environment?

“We’ve got lots of space at Newton Abbot and we’ve never had any problems or complaints about people smoking outside.”

James Sanderson: "The public don't need dictating to by bureaucrats"Credit: John Grossick

He added: “Why would a government seek to do this? It’s a mad, idiotic decision.”

Enforcement was a concern for David Maykels, the general manager at Leicester. He said: "Most of our areas are outdoors and my initial thought is how would we go about policing it?

"On ladies' day we have 9,000 racegoers and it would be impossible to manage it. We would have around 80 security people on site on that day, which is a lot, but they can't cover every blade of grass."

During his spell as prime minister, Rishi Sunak set out plans to create a “smoke-free generation” and reduce the number of smoking-related deaths.

However, his Tobacco and Vapes Bill was postponed after he called the general election in May. 

During the King's Speech last month, Labour reintroduced the proposed legislation, which would have prevented the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 2009.

RCA chief executive Armstrong said "it would feel quite a big step" and that a lack of detail meant it was hard to quantify what the impact would be on racecourses and spectators.

He said: "It could be a concern for racecourses and racegoers but it's very early days and we're lacking any detail on the proposal to understand what the impact would be.

"During Covid times, we always made the case that we operated in a much more open environment than other sports, so therefore restrictions should be less on us, and I'm sure we would make the same arguments again if it comes to it.

"It's very premature, though, and feels like it's a long way off. I'm sure there will be a consultation process by government and we will take part in that if that happens."

He added: "I'm not a smoker personally but I do think people who choose to do so should continue to have the opportunity to do so. Gradually over the years we have changed laws about confined spaces and that makes sense, but it would feel quite a big step to remove it altogether." 

Read these next:

Confirmed runners and riders for the Group 3 Solario Stakes at Sandown on Saturday 

'The thing Americans do best is dirt racing' - is City Of Troy backable at 10-3 for the Breeders' Cup Classic? 

Racing Post Members' Club: 50% off your first three months 

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.