In response to the Government dropping plans to introduce a pub garden smoking ban, our CEO Emma McClarkin said:

“It is good to hear that the Government has heeded the BBPA’s warning about the adverse impact this ban would have had on pubs.  Had this restriction been introduced it would have led to many pubs shutting their doors and jobs being lost and so we welcome the Government’s change of heart and proportionate approach. 

“However, there remain many challenges still facing the beer and pub sector to which we do not need the extra costs and burden of legislation. We look forward to further working with the Government to tackle the soaring cost of doing business, including rising employment costs, national insurance contributions, and implementing long term business rates reform. 

“Only then can we continue to contribute to much needed growth and maintaining the essential place of brewers and pubs in communities across the country.”