Whilst UKIP does not like prohibitions and bans in general, UKIP does recognise that the smoking ban has been popular amongst certain groups, such as families and those wishing to eat out in pubs. However, UKIP believes that a more common sense solution is needed: MINTEL shows that people are becoming more trapped in their homes and go out less: 22% of people feel the ban has disrupted their socialising and 16% less or some 2 million adults go out less.

UKIP believes the smoking ban should be made more flexible, and that some exceptions should be made possible - in short, 'That the Landlord should decide', to allow those pubs and clubs very seriously damaged by that ban to make alternative arrangements for smokers within agreed guidelines. UKIP is deeply concerned at the loss of 39 pubs a week ( for last 6 months of 2008, up on 36 previously and equal to 6 pubs a day closing ), many of which can be blamed on a fall in takings of 8 to 10% due to the ban, and the fall in AWP ( Amusement with Prizes ) Machines takings by 20%. v

UKIP would amend the smoking ban to allow pub landlords - freehold, tenanted/leased and managed - and club managers to provide contained and ventilated 'smoking rooms' within pubs and clubs, where customers desire it, and the landlords or pub companies wish to invest in such a facility. This proposal brings benefits in reducing noise and intrusion from outside smoking areas in this proposal, and the risk for landlords/managers of sizeable fines levied by local councils.

Where it was not possible, desirable or affordable to construct contained smoking rooms, UKIP would give pub landlords and club managers the right to declare their pub or club 'all smoking' ( or 'all non-smoking' ), as long as there were clear warnings and notices outside the building highlighting this status.

UKIP supports the continued use of patio heaters for outside and smoking area use and firmly opposes moves by the European Parliament to ban them on environmental grounds, despite the fact that their impact is negligible compared with other emissions, UKIP recognises patio heaters are valuable in retaining business from customers who smoke, rather than forcing them to stand out in the cold and rain, or to buy cheap supermarket beers and stay at home.