Outdoor smoking ban scrapped – with venues urged to create separate seating areas instead
Smoking outside of restaurants, pubs and bars will not be banned, the UK Government has confirmed - but venues will be expected to create separate "smoke-free seating" spaces for customers.
Smokingoutside of restaurants, pubs and barswill not be banned, the Government has confirmed – but venues will be expected to create separate “smoke-free seating” spaces for customers.
Pressure from the House of Lords has sparked discussion on the legal status of smoking in the vicinity of bars, restaurants, pubs and cafes across the UK.
But, fearing that the overall ban of outdoor smoking could lead to venue closures and job losses, ministers are now encouraging license-holders to “make reasonable provision for smoke-free seating” instead.
The new guidance for venues includes the addition of ‘no smoking’ signage displayed in designated areas and no ash trays left on furniture in smoke-free seating.
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Smoking and non-smoking areas must also be kept at least 2 metres apart, wherever possible.
Planning Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP said: “We are supporting our pubs, cafes and restaurants to safely reopen and securing jobs by making it quicker, easier and cheaper to set up outdoor seating and stalls to serve food and drink, whilst protecting public health against the transmission of covid.
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“These changes will allow everyone to enjoy outdoor eating and drinking whether they smoke or not, with appropriate provisions made for non-smokers and smokers.”
Many businesses have invested heavily in expanding outdoor spaces to serve customers safely in the current climate and reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
Roads and pavements across Manchester have been widened to allow more space for alfresco-style dining and drinking, whilst allowing venues to adhere to social distancing restrictions.
Back in July 2019, Health Minister Matt Hancock laid out a plan for the UK to become smoke-free by 2030 – although some fear the ambitious bid will fail without tougher action on cigarette use in cafes, pubs and bars.
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
20th July 2020 
