Smoke-Free Outdoor Spaces Gain Popularity, Says Council

Liverpool is rolling out a citywide policy banning smoking in outdoor areas of bars, cafés and restaurants, following strong public backing for the move.

Surveys carried out earlier this year found nearly three-quarters of respondents supported making pavement seating smoke-free, with a notable proportion of smokers also in favour.

The scheme applies to all businesses applying for pavement licences, meaning street-side dining and drinking areas must now be free of cigarette smoke. More than 220 licences have already been granted under the new rules.

City officials say the initiative, first approved in April, is designed to cut exposure to second-hand smoke, help people trying to quit and tackle the problem of cigarette litter. Vaping is still permitted as part of the council’s wider harm-reduction strategy.

Around 17% of Liverpool residents continue to smoke, spending an estimated £2,500 a year on the habit. The council hopes that reducing visible smoking in public spaces will support efforts to drive down those figures while creating cleaner, more family-friendly outdoor environments.