'It's a really bad idea' Staff and punters split over plan for fresh restrictions

On an average weekend in Moseley, Birmingham, the beer gardens tucked behind the high street pubs of which there are at least eight - are usually packed with punters.

- Jessica Murray

As the doors opened to customers on Thursday lunchtime, staff and customers alike were bristling at the news the government is considering banning smoking in outdoor areas such as beer gardens, and outdoor areas at clubs and restaurants.

"It just seems like a really bad idea. I don't see how it can be good for hospitality," said Mathew Brigham, part owner and manager of the Dark Horse craft beer bar. "I think it would be horrible to police, for one. And I think it would lead to more people drinking on the streets, and more people drinking at home - and drinking cheap booze at home is more linked to alcoholism."

The outdoor area in front of the pub where people are allowed to smoke is decked with fairy lights, heat lamps and picnic benches.

Smokers, and increasingly vapers, can be seen on any given night of the week.

"There are still a lot of people who smoke, although it's nowhere near what it used to be," said Brigham. "I think stopping kids from taking up smoking seems like a really good idea. But this seems like an unnecessary impact on a sector that's really struggling. Are they going to do anything positive with business rates or tax breaks to help?" Just around the corner,