Lift smoking ban in pubs — UKIP

UKIP deputy leader Paul Nuttall is urging the Government to rethink the smoking ban as the party raised a glass to the British pub.

He described the cigarette outlaw in pubs as a “hammer blow” to the industry when it was introduced four years ago.

He said: “Across northern Europe, common sense is prevailing and pubs and restaurants are now allowed to provide a separate smoking room.

“This is exactly what should be happening here.”

The North-West Euro MP was speaking ahead of the forthcoming British Pub Week, which runs from October 28 to November 6.

Mr Nuttall said: “UKIP believes pubs are the hub of our communities and we are the only British political party which believes that pubs are worthy of saving.”

He said it was vital to take urgent action as pubs were closing at a rate of 40 a week.

He added: “We have produced an in-depth manifesto on pubs which recognises the importance of the industry and we urge this government to seriously consider a Royal commission investigation of the public house trade.”