No plans to change rules on outdoor smoking on IoM

Manx Government confirms it's not looking to follow UK proposals

The Isle of Man Government says it has no plans, at this time, to recommend or introduce new rules regarding smoking outdoors.

Public Health says it’s aware of discussion in the UK regarding changes that the Labour Government could be planning to make.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to do more to reduce smoking with reports suggesting his administration could ban it in many spaces including pub gardens and playgrounds.

A survey by YouGov has found the vast majority of people back proposals.

However, Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage claims it would lead to cigarette sales being placed ‘in the hands of criminal gangs’:

Hospitality experts in the UK claim it’ll badly affect trade in bars, pubs and restaurants.

Doctor Sharon Cox, from UCL’s Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group, says it wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing:

Here on the Island, the boss of the Jaks Group Andy Gibbs told Manx Radio the impact of bringing in a proposal like this would ‘massively’ affect his business:

The Isle of Man Government has confirmed to Manx Radio: “Public Health Isle of Man is aware of discussion in the UK regarding changes to smoking in some outdoor public areas.

“There are no plans at this time to recommend or introduce such proposals on the Isle of Man, and any such restrictions would need to come for consideration via the appropriate channels.”