Pub bosses warned imposing another smoking crackdown will ‘devastate’ our beloved boozers

BEER bosses warned last night that imposing another smoking crackdown will “devastate” our beloved pubs.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting is facing pressure to abandon plans for a cigs ban in pub gardens.

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The move comes after an already controversial government pledge to stop youngsters from ever buying cigarettes.

Research from the British Beer and Pub Association reveals 2,000 pubs closed in the three years after the 2007 indoor smoking ban.

Ministers are also considering a vaping ban for some outdoor spaces.

It will be outlawed outside hospitals and schools, but is unlikely for beer gardens.

Brewery chiefs warned pubs should be welcome for all.

The BBPA said: “This restriction would have a devastating impact on pubs already struggling with soaring energy prices and the cost of business.

“For the sector to carry on being a home from home, it needs to be able to welcome all, as it has for centuries.”

Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin said any beer garden ban would be Big Brother-ish meddling.

He added of the 2007 indoor ban: “That was for health reasons. I don’t think that’s the case in this instance.”

Shadow Business Minister Greg Smith said: “Landlords are concerned about a Labour anti-pub agenda. It will signal the death of village pubs.”

The Department of Health said: “We’re determined to protect children and non-smokers from second-hand smoking.”