WITH a ban on outdoor smoking having been mooted by Kier Starmer’s government, the Mid-Devon Advertiser speaks with several local pubs to gauge opinion.

If brought into law, the proposal would prohibit tobacco use outside pubs and restaurants, including on pavements.

So, first up is the Ye Olde Jolly Sailor.

‘Personally, I don't think it is a law that will be passed’ said owner Jake.

‘It would be a very difficult law to police and for that reason I can't see it happening’ he added.

But let’s say it did happen - how would it affect Teignmouth’s oldest pub?

‘I don't think it would that much - I think people would just step beyond that line in the garden, have their cigarette and still have their beer’ Jake said.

‘Years ago they banned it inside and now they are trying to ban it outside - what's next, banning smoking in the streets?’ he added.

Smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces became illegal in 2007 - the ban coming into affect on July 1.

Next up, we have the Brunswick Arms in Dawlish.

‘I am not really that bothered, I imagine people will literally just step onto the pavement and have a cigarette instead’ said landlord Dan.

‘I am a non-smoker, I have never smoked in my life, but I have been here for 15 years and I couldn't care less if people smoke outside a pub’ he added.

And it’s Newton Abbot’s Jolly Farmer up next.

‘I am very concerned - another nail in the coffin for pubs’ said owner Glenn.

‘It will just stop people going to to pub - and all these people that say “I would go to the pub more often if people weren't smoking outside” - it’s nonsense.

‘I think people need to realise that pubs aren't just places where people go to get drunk - a pub is a community hub.

‘I am certainly concerned about it - what's the next step, you can't sell hard spirits in a pub? You can only sell five per-cent alcohol wine - who knows’ Glenn added.