HAS SIR KEIR SOUNDED DEATH KNELL OF OUR PUBS?

SIR Keir Starmer's "nanny state" will call last orders on many pubs, clubs and venues, critics have warned.

- Michael Knowles

The Prime Minister has confirmed plans to explore a ban on smoking in pub and restaurant gardens and terraces, sports stadiums, children's parks and outside hospitals and universities.

Nigel Farage warned: "The death knell of the traditional British pub may well have been sounded. The Labour Party is showing its authoritarian socialist state-control instincts and mentality." Sir Keir vowed yesterday that the controversial move will ease the burden on the NHS.

But hospitality chiefs warned the "bonkers" idea would instead heap more pressure on bars and be another "nail in the coffin" for businesses.

Mr Farage, the leader of Reform UK, claimed: "The rumoured ban on smoking in pub gardens or on the pavement outside pubs will kill off the traditional pub for ever." He went on: "I simply would not go to the pub ever again if these restrictions are imposed.

"The puritans are on the march. We must all be controlled for our own good. I expect the anti-alcohol debate with corresponding levels of national propaganda to pick up pace over the coming years."

Heroes

As he lit up, outside the Westminster Arms near No10 yesterday, he said: "The last time I looked at it, tobacco revenues were four to five times the cost of the NHS annually.