Fear alfresco smoking ban 'could hit trade'

A smoking ban in outdoor seating areas could impact local trade, a council has been warned.

Darlington Borough Council is considering introducing smoke-free zones outside pubs, bars and restaurants throughout the town centre.

The local authority has proposed several amendments to its pavement cafe policy in a bid to introduce more alfresco seating areas and attract more visitors.

But the reaction to the smoking proposal has been mixed, with some calling it "stupid" and "bullying behaviour" and others describing the proposal as "excellent" for public health.

The council's proposed policy states: "There will be a zero tolerance no smoking policy for all pavement cafes.

"Pavement cafes are not to be used as an outdoor smoking area and those wishing to smoke should be directed to a location away from the barriers where it will not drift across tables."

Pavement licences are granted by the local authority and allow the licence-holder to place removable furniture on nearby paths and walkways.

Allowing customers to vape would be at the discretion of the licence-holder.

Responses to a public consultation on the changes have come from smokers and non-smokers alike.

One opponent said: "This a stupid move. People sit outside precisely so they can smoke or vape."

Another argued individual businesses should be able to decide whether or not to enforce a ban.

Meanwhile, some warned that the zero tolerance policy could impact local trade.

"I work in hospitality and worry venues will close if people are banned from smoking outside them," said one.

But not all have been negative, with some praising the "excellent" proposal.

One respondent said: "There is nothing more off-putting than a load of people taking over the outdoor seating area, blowing all their smelly, unhealthy smoke over everyone."

The amendments also propose removing the requirement for food to be served, allowing low-level background music and increasing closing times from 22:30 to 23:00.

The updated policy will be discussed by the council's licensing committee on Tuesday 29 April.

Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.