THE outdoor smoking ban will not hit the horse races — but pub gardens are still being stung.
A public backlash has also forced vaping to be allowed outside boozers after ministers backed off an even harsher crackdown to include e-cigs.
AlamyHorseracing tracks will be spared from the outdoor smoking ban – but pub gardens are still being stung[/caption]
Some of the curbs have now been reconsidered since they were first leaked to The Sun last month.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is thought to have been swayed against the fags prohibition at nag courses like Cheltenham, Ascot and Aintree.
It followed industry concerns that banning smoking would be a hammer blow to the sport.
Given its large open spaces it was argued a ban would have little impact.
But Government sources warned pub gardens would almost certainly fall under the ban despite landlords voicing similar concerns.
While alive to punter fears, Mr Streeting is being urged to act by Chief Medical Officer Sir Chris Whitty.
Ministers say it could even be good for pubs, as families deterred by smoking will be more likely to go.
Areas outside of schools, stadiums, hospitals and universities will also be snared by the ban as part of a ramped-up Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
But before becoming law, it will be put to a consultation — which is set to face angry responses from the hospitality sector.
Ministers are still confident voters will back the ban, with some polls showing Brits are narrowly in favour.
It will carry through Rishi Sunak’s policy of phasing out cigarettes by stopping anyone born after 2008 from buying them.
Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to act to reduce 88,000 smoke-related deaths every year.