A Tenbury farmer and pub landlord has spoken out on a potential smoking ban, saying it could "kill off" British pub culture.

Tom Williams, who is an agricultural contractor, local farmers son, and active within the Herefordshire Young Farmers, alongside managing Hogarth's since 2022, has spoken of his disgust against the government's proposed ban.

Mr Williams believes that introducing a smoking ban will possibly cause thousands of pubs to close, and believes "it could and probably will kill off the British Traditional pub and British pub culture forever".

In August, Sir Keir Starmer said the Government would “take decisions” on a potential outdoor smoking ban in an effort to curb preventable deaths and alleviate pressures on the NHS.

Industry leaders have warned that the proposed plans to ban outdoor smoking, including in beer gardens and outside stadiums, would be another “nail in the coffin” for pubs and bars.

The pub landlord thinks the ban could kill off British pub culture.The pub landlord thinks the ban could kill off British pub culture. (Image: Rob Davies)

The landlord reflected on the 2006 indoor smoking ban which was introduced by Tony Blair's labour government. Mr Williams said he had no doubt that this law led to a decline in pub's revenue and that he believed this decline had partially contributed to  the closure of thousands of pubs and clubs since then.

“The last thing this we need are thousands more pubs closing, and empty buildings in our beautiful countryside, towns and cities.

“Pubs are part of our British culture, and form a vital part of the local community.

“The last time I looked, the tax on cigarettes raised £10billion for the exchequer every year.

"Without that coming in, the £22billion 'black hole' will become £32billion.

Sir Keir Starmer has previously told reporters that “over 80,000 people lose their lives every year because of smoking”.

He added: “It’s a huge burden on the NHS and, of course, it’s a burden on the taxpayer. So, yes, we are going to take decisions in this space.

The prime minster said that more details would be revealed, but that the government has to take action to reduce the burden on the NHS and reduce the burden on the taxpayer.